Pete L. Castaneda

NOTE : New COVID restrictions imposed this week by the Diocese have resulted in the need to CANCEL THE PLANNED PUBLIC MASS for Pete on July 6th. We encourage you to keep Pete in your prayers.

Pete Lopez Castaneda, 88, passed away in Tucson on June 24, 2020. Pete was born on August 11, 1931 in Cottonwood, Arizona to Paulino and Dominga Castaneda as the sixth of eight children. Growing up on a family farm alongside the Verde River, he developed a strong work ethic. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy in 1949 and was very proud of his service to the country during the Korean War, where he was also able to see the world. His character and lifelong sense of giving was exemplified by his purchase of a home in Tucson for his parents during his Navy years. After completing his duty, he returned to Arizona, built a second adjoining house together with his brother Simon. He eventually settled down in Bisbee as an underground copper miner, an occupation he worked at for 38 years. In 1958 he married the love of his life Juanita.  They enjoyed 57 wonderful years together before her passing in 2015. Their journey took them from Bisbee to Safford and ultimately to Tucson where they were close to their extended family.

His kindness and spirit touched the hearts of many and will be dearly missed, especially by his family. As the family patriarch, with 3 grandchildren, he was able to develop a special and unique bond with each, being more friend than grandfather. Always active throughout the years, his interests varied with time and changes in mobility. These included fishing and camping, visiting casinos with his wife, fixing things, spending time with family and friends throughout the western US and in Mexico, and enjoying his smokes up until the end.

With his passing on what would have been his wife's 85 ^th birthday, he leaves behind his son Peter (Yolie) and daughter Arlene (Sydne) and his 3 beloved grandchildren Derek (Michelli), Steven (Ashley), and Alyssa along with his great-grandchildren Mila and Jude "JJ". He is survived by siblings Carmen, Simon, Rachel, Jess and Rosie.  Pete was preceded in death by brothers Manuel and Paul and his parents Paulino and Dominga.

With the cancellation to the public of the Mass celebrating Pete's life originally scheduled for July 6, 2020 @10:30 AM at St. Augustine's Cathedral, the family will now hold a small remembrance ceremony at a later date as Pete travels to his final resting place alongside Juanita at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Ft. Huachuca We encourage  friends and families to offer their condolences by visiting Pete's obituary listing at Carrillo's Tucson Mortuary: https://www.carrillostucsonmortuary.com/obituary/pete-castaneda The family would appreciate any words or thoughts and encourage you to reminisce through Pete's memories and photos on the website, in lieu of flowers.