Alfred "Freddy" Castillo, 89, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, March 26, 2023 surrounded by his family. Freddy was born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila on October 14, 1933 to Guadalupe Long Evans and Alfredo Castillo Guerra. He grew up in San Antonio, Texas, alongside his sister, serving as an altar boy and playing percussion for his middle school band, and he attended Central Catholic High School. He spent his free time shining shoes downtown for soldiers to earn money. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Freddy saved up the nickels he would earn shining shoes to buy supplies and started his own shoe shining business. He soon hired his friends to work for him and help grow his business. Freddy's admirable drive would later carry into his long-term career as a meat cutter. He took great pride in his work ethic, never allowing himself to miss a day on the job.

Freddy met his wife, Gloria, at the age of 18. He would walk past the St. Anthony Hotel window, where Gloria worked at the Malt Shop, to catch the city bus. Freddy caught Gloria's eyes from behind the soda fountain counter. Little did she know, she would also catch his attention. Their love story began with conversation over a malt shake, that Gloria secretly made extra thick to make sure Freddy stayed longer. Her favorite three words to describe the love of her life are Nicers, Bueno and Sabroso. The couple were married on June 4, 1955 and decided to start their family. Freddy and Gloria brought three handsome healthy boys into the world.

Freddy devoted his life to his wife and children. He was a father who never wanted to curse in front of his family, coining his own expletives, including the family favorites, "Flunkers!" and "Catorce Fourteen-o Kadido Dido Canino!" As time passed and his family grew, Freddy looked forward to visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and instilled in them his love and devotion of a grandfather as he did for his sons as a father.

Freddy loved sports, the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Cowboys, and Houston Astros to be exact. He also loved going to the Missions baseball games with his sons. Freddy was a wrestling fan and enjoyed watching his favorite cooking show, Emeril Live. He had a heart for Tejano music and would venture wherever the music was playing. Even in his last days with us, he enjoyed his quality time with his wife, improving his home and lawn, and cooking for his household.

Freddy is preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe Long Evans and Alfredo Castillo Guerra. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Gloria R.; sister Lina Perez; sons Alfred Castillo Jr. (Rose), Hector Castillo (Beatrice) and Victor Rodney Castillo; grandchildren, Hector Jr., Erik, Jessica, Melissa, Randy; step-grandchildren, Erica, Krystal, Arthur, Joseph, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Freddy's legacy will carry on forever, reminding us that we control our ability to choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service. Freddy spent is final years caring for his beloved wife and his youngest son. He will be missed and never forgotten.

Family and friends are welcome to a visitation on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 5:00PM – 8:00PM at Castillo Funeral Home on 520 N General McMullen Dr., San Antonio, Texas 78228. A rosary will be held at 6:00 PM. Burial services will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 10:00AM at St. Fernando Cemetery II on 746 Castroville Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78237.