CASTILLO, Tony Phillip

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 08/15/2014 Tony P. Castillo, 51, died Aug. 12, 2014, at his residence in Springerville, after a lengthy and valiant battle against his illness. He was born in McNary and was a lifelong resident of Springerville. He was very active in the Catholic Parish in Springerville. He held positions teaching children religious education to prepare them for their first communion and confirmation, served many years on the Parish Council, was a Eucharistic Minister, was over the Alter Serving Ministry, and served as Fiesta Committee chairman with his wife. He loved horses, roping, hunting, fishing and coaching AYSO and Little League. He spent countless hours helping with community benefits before his illness slowed him down. He was a fierce competitor on the softball field or in the roping arena, but competing against him made you a friend, not an enemy. He worked as a highway maintenance supervisor for the Arizona Department of Transportation. He was always happy, and it didn’t matter where he was, he always had a smile and a kind word. Tony is survived by his wife of 25 years, Tami (Crowther) Castillo; son Anthony (18); daughter Alyssa (15); and his two sisters, Candy (Ralph) Salce and Linda (Armindo) Castelhano. He spent countless hours supporting his nieces and nephews, and they knew he loved them very much. He did not know the word “in-law” but loved all equally. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cesario (Bob) and Mary Castillo. A visitation will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Springerville; a rosary will follow at 5 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at St. Peter’s. Interment will follow the funeral mass at the Springerville Cemetery. To send an online condolence to Tony’s family, visit www.burnhammortuary.com. Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements.