Pete Gutierez Castillo

Pete Gutierez Castillo, 75, of Springerville, Arizona passed away on September 4, 2014. Pete was born on October 19, 1938 in Springerville, Arizona, the son of Florencio and Santana (Gutierez) Castillo.

Pete married Charlotte Moya on January 10, 1958 in Springerville. Pete retired after 35 years of devoted work from the U.S. Forest Service where he worked as a Timber Sale Administrator. During his long career he gained many close friendships within the Forest Service, and logging industry that he cherished his whole life. Following his retirement, he worked as a Caretaker for 17 years at The Spade Ranch in Greer. His time at the Spade Ranch Pete also gained many close friendships in the Greer area and valued his friendship with Herb Owens. Pete had a knack for photography, especially when it came to the things he enjoyed, especially nature and wildlife. He loved animals, particularly his dogs and cats. Over the years, Pete’s family had many animals, including some of his favorite dogs, Bailey, Cosmo, Chipper, and Rusty. Pete enjoyed golfing with some of his greatest friends, Dave Giddings, Charlie Pena, and Dennis Maxwell.

Pete is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Charlotte Castillo; daughters, Sally Castillo and Judy Sipe; sons, Kelly Castillo (spouse, Jennifer), Dennis Sipe; brothers, Manuel Castillo (spouse, Lee), Florencio Castillo (spouse, Marion), and Frank Castillo (spouse, Molly); sister, Annie Castillo; grandchildren, Heather Flint (spouse, Derek), Jennifer Gary (spouse, Nathan), Timothy Small, Chad Sipe, Jade Sipe, Tristan Castillo, Brody Castillo, and Decker Castillo; and great grandchildren, Brianna Small, Brian Leininger, Aiden Pete Gary (due October 2014), and Willow Flint. He is preceded in death by his son, Patrick Castillo; and parents, Florencio and Santana Castillo.

A Memorial Mass for Pete will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 10:00 am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 117 Apache Street, Springerville, AZ 85938, A Rosary will be held at 9:30 am.

In lieu of flowers the family asks to make a donation in Pete’s name to the White Mountain Humane Society at P.O. Box 909, Lakeside, Arizona 85929. Please include your address in the donation.

Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care. Please visit www.MariposaGardens.com to leave a tribute to Pete.