Gilbert Gilly "Gilly" G. Castro

Gilbert "Gilly" Gene Castro was granted his angel wings on December 8th 2015 at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas following a lifelong battle with congenital heart disease at the age of 2. In his final days, he was surrounded by his family and friends, who he had touched in some way throughout his short, yet unforgettable life.

Gilly’s life was too short, but those who were touched by him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His sweet, gentle smile could melt the hearts of those around him and though he never spoke a word, his voice and thoughts could always be heard.

Although Gilly’s illness might have made him appear frail, he had the ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges through much strength and perseverance. He was our little heart warrior. With his courage, he made us believe that every single day and hour within it, is a blessing. We will always have fond memories of him. He loved to endlessly watch Finding Nemo and Toy Story. He loved to roar at you like Simba in the Lion King. Gilly loved to dance, especially to anything by Taylor Swift or the GiggleBellies. We always felt Gilly was really smart and could have studied to be a doctor, because he loved to help the doctors and nurses find his heart beat by placing the stethoscope on his heart for them. He knew how to bring the nurses around by holding his breath to set the alarms off of his monitors just to get what he wanted. The nurses would come running and then he'd just smile at you. Most of all, Gilly loved to hear and watch his brothers laugh and play, and he would join in gladly when he could.

With Gilly’s passing, we are reminded that his life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss him everyday, especially his big beautiful, kind eyes, and sweet smile. He will forever remain in our hearts. Through his life, we were able to create wonderful memories and we feel privileged to be his parents. We know his brothers, Andrew and Vincent, will miss him greatly but we feel they will always hold close the memory of Gilly's gentle spirit.

Gilly is survived by his loving parents, Allison Campos and Travis Castro of New Braunfels; brothers, Andrew and Vincent; maternal grandparents, Jamie Campos Garrison and Jeremiah Garrison; Moses Campos; great-grandfather, James E Hicks; great-grandmother, Beatriz Campos; paternal grandmother Jamie Castro; aunts Kaylee Campos, Megan Segura, Cadence Garrison; uncles Nathan and Brandon Castro; and numerous great aunts, great uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his maternal great-grandmother, Dorothy Hicks; great-grandfather, Gilberto Campos; and paternal grandfather, Ricardo Castro.

Public visitation will begin 5:00 PM Sunday at Zoeller Funeral Home and will continue until 9:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM Monday, December 14, 2015 at Zoeller Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.