Alfred Richard Castello

Alfred Richard Castello, faithful servant, devoted husband and loving father, joined his heavenly father on Tuesday, April 19, 2011. He went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior. Al would want us to know, live, walk, trust and rest in Jesus. His family cherishes the memories of his faithful love for all, which was rooted in Jesus’ faithful love for him. Al was born March 13, 1931 to Alfred Frederick Castello and Alice Berenice Garrett Castello in Houston, Texas. He attended St. Thomas High School in Houston and after graduation moved to Chicago to attend the Maryknoll Seminary. After several years, Al realized this was not the calling God had for him and moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas where he graduated with a double major in Math and Physics. While at UT, he was introduced to his wife of 56 years, Dolores Charlene Vacek.

Al and Dolores were married August 29, 1954 in Kovar, Texas and settled in Austin. Al began a long career with the Texas Highway Department (now known as the Texas Department of Transportation or TxDOT) as one of the first employees in their newly formed computer division. He worked for the highway department for 38 years in various positions, and retired as Deputy Director of Support Operations in 1991. Al and Dolores have been blessed with six wonderful children and their spouses: Mary Alice Castello (Austin), Rick and Sheryl Castello (Lake Jackson), Jim and Diana Castello (Elgin), Dan and Barbara Williamson (Round Rock), Chris and Nan Castello (Cedar Park), and Doug and Catherine (K-K) Bush (Huntsville, AL). Al, who was affectionately called Chief, enjoyed spending time with his fourteen grandchildren and their spouses and 4 great-grandchildren. He will be missed dearly by his sisters, brothers and their spouses, Mary Ann Patterson, Frank Simpson, Richard and Pat Thompson, and Gary and Elaine Castello. Al was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Gloria Jane, his sister, Mary and George Vacek , his mother and father-in-law, several brother and sister-in-laws, his great-nephew Daniel Elder, and four children who were called before they had the privilege of knowing this wonderful man, their daddy.

The family wishes to thank the many doctors and nurses who cared for Al during his 80 years: Dr. Goolsby, Dr. Youman, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Kocurek, Dr. Laney, Dr. Marquez, Dr. Smiley, Dr. Skaggs and their staffs as well as all the nurses and doctors at Seton Medical Center and Austin Heart Hospital. The family will receive guests on Easter Sunday, April 24th from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening at the Cook-Walden Colonial Chapel. Refreshments will be provided. The Recitation of the Rosary will begin at seven o’clock immediately following the visitation. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, April 25th at half past ten o’clock at St. Louis Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Road. Fr. Charles L. Covington will be Celebrant with Fr. Oliver Weerakkody assisting. Everyone is invited to a luncheon immediately following the Mass in Wozniak Hall. Entombment will follow at Assumption Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers are Alfred (Rick) Castello, James (Jim) Castello, Chris Castello, Dan Williamson, Doug Bush, and Link Simpson. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Louis Catholic Church, St. Vincent de Paul Society, or a favorite charity of your choice.

Tributes may be left at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com