Oscar Tapia Castillo was born on March 21, 1968, to Olga Tapia Castillo in Tucson, Arizona. His biological father was Oscar Chavarria, but he was raised by Joe G. Castillo beginning at 9 months old and was adopted by him at 6 years of age. Oscar was found deceased in the desert underneath a willow tree on March 12, 2026 – he was 57 years old. It appeared that he had been deceased for some time, but we’ll never know for sure how many days had gone by since his passing. Our hope is that he went to sleep and died peacefully into his rest.

From a very early age, Oscar was very athletic and enjoyed all sports, especially wrestling, boxing and baseball. He loved Elvis Presley and had the same dance moves (or at least he thought he did). He had many nicknames - “Viejo and Indio” are just a couple. Oscar attended Thunderbird Adventist Academy for one year of high school and made a great impact. Many friends spoke of his athletic abilities and about his kindness. He was described as “a beautiful bright light in a harsh world”. He’ll be remembered for his intensity, his ferocity and his beauty. A dear friend said he is someone who we can truly say was one of, “The brightest stars (who) burn the fastest, so we must love them while we can.” He also attended Pueblo high school and won a state championship in wrestling. He will be remembered as someone who got into many trabesuras (got into trouble), especially with his primos. Oscar left home at the age of 16. He was tough and was street smart. There was little, if anything, that he feared. He would give the shirt off his back even if it meant he stayed with nothing. That describes him perfectly. He provided so much valuable perspective and wisdom to his two sons, as well as to many of his nieces and nephews. He offered unconditional and unjudgmental love. Many will remember one of his famous greetings – “Que Onda Pinche Puto”. Or his voice mail messages where he left the same message – “Hello, nobody home, nobody answers, nobody gives a damn.” He made people smile and he made them laugh. And one of the things that made a lot of people laugh was his cooking. He would create his own “capirotadas,” where he just threw a variety of things together. He always wanted others to taste his creations, but most said, “no thank you.” Oscar was a great dancer of Tejano and musica mexicana and one of his favorite partners was his prima Ella, who was like a sister to him. Oscar was the oldest of all the cousins and was always very protective of all of them. His grandkids meant the world to him. He would wrestle and “rough house” with them every time he spent time with them.

Oscar worked as a flooring installer for Fiesta Floors for many years until he got hurt. He was a jack of all trades but specialized in flooring. He was always willing to do work for family and friends “free of charge.” He would say – just “buy the materials and I’ll take care of you.” Even though he could always use the money, he was always trying to help others.

As an adult, Oscar lived a different lifestyle – homelessness. At various times, he lived with his sisters and their families but was most comfortable and happy in the desert. This was very difficult for the family to understand but they always tried to offer love and support.

Oscar was preceded in death by his fathers, Oscar Chavarria and Joe G. Castillo. He is survived by his loving mother, Olga T. Castillo. His sisters, Maria (Luis) Serrano and Theresa (Adam) Lehrling. By his sons Oscar Castillo Jr, and Xavier (Jessica) Castillo. His grandchildren, Adelio and Ixchel Castillo. His sisters, Margarita Chavarria-Martinez and Roxanne Oropeza. By his brother Dominic Chavarria. Along with many tias, tios, nieces, nephews and primos that loved him dearly.

He is missed by many and will continue to live on in our memories. In closing, we leave you with the following:

“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.” – Jaime Anderson

Never forget that tomorrow is not promised, so live your best life today.