Julio Castillo Jr.

Julio Castillo Jr., age 63, of Grand Rapids formerly of Ithaca went to be with his Lord, Friday, December 27, 2013 after a brief illness surrounded by his devoted family.

Julio was born September 19, 1950, the oldest child of the late Julio R. Castillo Sr. and Francisca (Loera) Castillo, in Texas. His family moved to Michigan, settling in Ithaca where he grew up along with five brothers and three sisters. Julio proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Fourth Infantry Division out of Fort Carson, CO. He worked for General Motors for 15 years. Julio was a proud father to his children while his greatest pride and love were his grandchildren. Julio enjoyed the meticulous task of putting models together, he was an artist producing beautiful pieces, and he treasured the simple keepsakes of places traveled.

Julio is survived his children, whom he loved dearly and was extremely proud of; Domingo (Jennifer) Castillo and Jovita (Benjamin) Bishop. Six grandchildren; Lacie, Blake, Nash, Isabella, Ryan and Roman. Five brothers; Jose (Cindy) Castillo of Ithaca, Renato Castillo of Niles, Carlos Castillo of Lansing, David (Kim) Castillo of Alma, and Freddie (Tina) Castillo of Ithaca. Three sisters; Rosa (Jim) Garcia of Ithaca, Rita (David) Fabela of Ithaca, and Julia Rodriguez of Alma. Also, several nieces and nephews.

Julio’s family will greet friends and relatives Monday 2-4 PM & 6-8 PM at Barden Funeral Home, 225 W. Center St., Ithaca, Michigan 48847. Funeral service will take place 11 AM, Tuesday at the funeral home. Full military honors will be received upon burial.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Spectrum Health Hospital of Grand Rapids.