Jose Castillo

Jose Miguel Castillo, Sergeant Major (Ret)
2/15/1918 ~ 07/14/2013
Murray, UT-Jose passed away peacefully on July 14, 2013, surrounded at home by his loving wife, family and friends. He lived 95 healthy years, only to be challenged by cancer his last year of life.
Jose Miguel is survived by his wife of 61 years, Irene; brothers, Ramon (Enedina) of Douglas, AZ and Ernie of New Jersey; sister-in-law, Brigitte Wagner (Bennie) of Salt Lake City; brother-in-law, Ernie Buergin, South Africa. Many nieces and nephews including those who were our support at the end: Magdalena Castillo-Cockrum (Ward) of Sedona, AZ; Monica Castillo (Steve Villaescusa) of Tucson, AZ; Peter Wagner (Amanda) of Salt Lake City and Anita Wagner (Nathan Vallee) of Detroit, MI., and lifetime friends: Vincent and Marcia De Ollos and family/grandkids.
Jose Miguel was born in San Lorenzo, New Mexico, February 15, 1918, to Ramon and Angelita Castillo. Growing up as the eldest of eight boys in Douglas, Arizona, he was a role model and father figure to his brothers following their father’s early death. He worked at the Gadsden Hotel to support his family after ten years, he joined the Army. Jose built a successful military career, traveling around the world. He retired as Sergeant Major in 1969. He extended his career at the State of Utah Correction in Human Resources retiring 1980. He was an active member of The Vicentinos of St. Vincent Catholic Church for 41 years. Jose excelled in both his military and civilian career through his natural leadership, humility, sense of humor and connection with others.
While stationed in Germany for the U.S. Army he met the love of his life, Irene. Their marriage was a love affair of a mutual, wonderful partnership (best friends) from beginning to end through three cultures: American, German and Spanish, love of family and friends, travel, cooking, language, and worship.
Jose was a delightful storyteller, entertaining friends with stories about his Army and travel experiences. He loved sharing stories and listeners always benefited from their wisdom.
Jose developed special relationships with his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews that were cherished and will be greatly missed. The children of his long time friends regarded him as their “special grandfather.”
Jose accomplished so much in his life through his career, marriage and church service however he found joy in daily blessings. All his life he was content never wanting more and had more than he ever dreamed of having. His family and friends will remember him as a model of love.
Special thanks to Quality Solace Services for their care. Contributions can be made to Quality Solace Services in memory of Jose Miguel Castillo, 888 E. 3900 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84107. Viewing from 6 – 7. Rosary at 7 at St Vincent de Paul Parish, 1375 E. Spring Lane, Holladay, UT 84117, on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. Final viewing from 10 – 11 a.m. followed by funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, at St Vincent de Paul Parish. Interment at Camp Williams, 17111 S. Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale, UT. Friday, July 19, 2013 at 10:00 am.