Peter F. "Pete" Castro

Age 85, joined the love of his life in heaven on December 8, 2013. Pete, as everyone called him, was born in New York City to Sicilian immigrant parents. He grew up in East Harlem and was the youngest of six children. As a young child, Pete developed an interest in woodworking. He showed much promise and was hired by the Department of the Navy to carve enemy plane silhouettes for pilot training during WWII. He served honorably in the United States Army between February,1947 and July, 1948. After his service he returned to New York where he met and fell in love with his future bride, Rose. They were wed on December 4, 1955. He is survived by his sons, Peter J. Castro of Holbrook, AZ, Michael M. Castro and wife, Catherine of Los Ranchos, Christopher Castro and wife, Lynette of Albuquerque. Pete was employed by the City of New York until he retired and moved his family out west to Albuquerque in 1973. He was a fine wood smith and used his talents to work in the industry until his second retirement in 1992. Pete was very active in his church and served as an usher at The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church for many years. He also donated his time working in the Church gift shop and sorting food donations at Roadrunner Food Bank. He was an honorable man, always providing leadership, discipline and encouragement to his children and grandchildren, Brian, Amber, Charles, Nicholas, Amanda, Christopher, Mark, and his great grandson, Roman. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Mariano and Biagia Castro. He was loved by many and will be missed, but his legacy will live on. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated, Friday, December 13, 2013, 9:00 a.m. at The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Rd NE with burial to follow at Gate of Heaven. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, .