Eliseo "Cass" Casillas

With sadness we announce that Eliseo "Cass" Casillas passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 15, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Albuquerque, NM. He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Narciso Casillas Pinero and Paulina Galarza Olivera, both of Puerto Rico.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mary E. Casillas and 3 children, Maryeli "Dee Dee" Casillas, Donald "DC" Casillas, and David Casillas. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Robert Weinheimer, Holly Estelle, Carolina Casillas, Camille Casillas, Sara Casillas and Joseph "JR" Casillas. He leaves behind 9 great-grandchildren.

Cass retired from the United States Air Force in 1972 and went on to pursue an illustrious academic career culminating with his Doctorate degree in 1986. He was well known for championing New Mexico's rich Hispanic culture through his associations with The Hispano Chamber of Commerce, The National Hispanic Cultural Center as well as the office of the Governor and Mayor. He co-founded El Hispano newspaper and was a respected broadcasting producer and celebrity in Albuquerque television and radio. Cass led a life devoted to God. He was a founding member of First Baptist Church Westside in Albuquerque. He served as deacon and taught bi-lingual Bible study.

Eliseo had the deepest love for his homeland of Puerto Rico. He founded the National Association for the Statehood of Puerto Rico in the 1960's and advocated to the United Nations General Assembly for future statehood.

If your life was touched by Eliseo, please join us for a memorial service with military honors held Friday, October 4th. 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at FRENCH - Westside Chapel with a reception to follow.