CASTRO, Ernesto Acosta (Pepper)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, December 01, 2010 Ernesto Acosta "Pepper" Castro, 42, of Paulden, Ariz., died peacefully at his home on Nov. 29, 2010, surrounded by his family. Pepper, to his family and friends, was born in Tucson, Ariz., to Ernesto R. Castro and Sandra Castro-Rowland. He attended of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and graduated from William S. Hart High School in Newhall, Calif. In addition, he attended college at Northern Arizona University and San Diego State University, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and majored in history. He devoted his spare time to reading and spent countless hours educating himself far beyond the classroom. Later in life, he fulfilled his dream and graduated from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Academy, where he became a Deputy Sheriff. During his lifetime, he was an avid sports fan and collector of sports memorabilia; anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Pepper would agree his favorite team was the Raiders. Los Angeles or Oakland, win or lose, one can still hear his chant of: "Just Win, Baby." Furthermore, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, whereupon he would bring home the catch of the day to entertain family and friends. He was the master of the grill and his passion for cooking and recipe invention were trademarks of his zest for life. His penchant for bringing stray animals home to his ranch was a source of amusement and created the warm atmosphere that were pinnacles of his personality. Friend or foe, four-legged or two, Pepper brought together a masterful juxtaposition of personality and humor that was captivating. His legacy and love will continue on through his adoring wife of 20 years, Tina Marie Castro; two children who were his pride and joy, Alec Acosta and Hailey Anne; parents Ernesto R. Castro of Sedona, Ariz., and Sandra Castro-Rowland of Valencia, Calif.; stepfather John Rowland of Valencia, Calif.; siblings Christian Andrew Castro (Sumer) of Sedona, Ariz., and Sally Anne Rowland of Valencia, Calif.; seven nieces and nephews, Alyssa, Lily, Riley, Austin, Samantha, Aubrey and Sonora; great-uncle Raul H. Castro (Patricia); in-laws Kathy Sikes, John and Jolene Hildebrand, Matt and Erin Meierbachtol. A celebration of Pepper's life will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, at The Heights Church, 2121 Larry Caldwell Drive, Prescott, Ariz.; www.heightschurch.com. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations in Pepper's memory be made on behalf of his children at Chase Bank in Chino Valley, Ariz., 31 Butterfield Road, (928) 636-4444, or at any Chase Bank location. The Castro family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the kind thoughts, support and prayers that have been offered. Chino Valley Funeral Home is caring for the family. To sign the guestbook and share memories, visit www.heritagefuneralchapels.com. Information provided by survivors.