Stephen Merla Castro, 73, went to be with the Lord on March 28, 2024, at his residence in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on November 1, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas, a son of the late Helen M. Castro and Esteban A. Castro.

Stephen exemplified what it meant to be a warrior and dedicated public servant. Both as a naval veteran and as a pillar of his community, he was a lifelong and tireless advocate for the men and women of the U.S. military and the institution of higher education.

His career in the Navy began in 1972, and he was stationed aboard the USS Basley DE-1069, USS Beacon PG-99 and USS Samuel Gompers AD-37. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class in 1986. He frequently pointed out that the Navy taught him the value of discipline, teamwork, and investing in a cause larger than himself. He would often explain to loved ones how these values contributed to his success upon returning home and pursuing a new mission.

A lifelong resident of San Antonio's westside, he graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1969 and would further his education obtaining his B.A. and M.S. from St. Mary's University. Prior to his retirement, he dedicated himself to 13 years at Eastman Kodak, 25 years with governmental agencies and 20+ years in adult education instructing GED and ESL with local school districts.

He touched the lives of many through his philanthropy, community involvement and contributions. He was a member of the Inman Christian Center, Sidney Lanier Alumni Association Class of 69, the United Way and a political consultant and campaigner.

The greatest accomplishment in Stephen's life is the family unit he built to be so strong, especially now in his physical absence. Stephen will be remembered for the way he touched the lives of many through time spent with family and friends together, dancing or sharing a meal. He was deeply respected, will be tremendously missed and with sure and certain faith, one day, our souls will be reunited once again.

In addition to his parents Helen Merla Castro and Esteban A. Castro, he is preceded in death by Julia Y. Merla.

Family members include his children, Andrew F. Castro (Laurie L. Castro), Luvena Castro Lucero and Stephen J. Castro (Blanca M. Castro); former spouse, Eloise F. Castro; 8 grandchildren, Stephanie N. Collazo, Ashley M. Garcez, Haley R. Castro, Andrew-Paul Castro, Brandon-Anthony Lucero, Andrew-Stephen Anzaldua, Annalisa Marie Castro and Andres Esteban Castro; 3 great-grandchildren, Ethan A. Collazo, Emersyn R. Collazo and Evelynn R. Gracez; siblings, John M. Castro (Julia Castro), Judy A. Castro (Gloria Castro Aragon) and Janice Castro Gonzales; in addition to numerous extended family members and friends.

The family will receive guests at Castillo Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm for visitation and at 6:00 pm for a rosary service.

A committal service will be conducted on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 2:45 pm in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.