Salvador "Nano" M. Castillo Jr.

Salvador M. Castillo, Jr. , affectionally known by family and friends as “Nano”, passed into spiritual life, peacefully, surrounded by his family, in his place of residence in Scottsdale, Arizona on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the blessed age of 93 .

Nano is survived by his sister, Evangelina Puente and her family, Houston, TX; his niece, Sara Rodriguez, Phoenix, AZ; Great-Nieces/Nephews: Virginia and Alfred Gomez and family, Phoenix, AZ; Frank Maldonado and family, Phoenix, AZ; Sarah and Mike Lopez and family, Phoenix, AZ; Elvia “Ellie” and Paul Tava and family, Lincroft, NJ; Lorraine Maldonado and family, Phoenix, AZ; Gino Martinez, Phoenix, AZ; Priscilla Martinez and family, Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by his niece, Graciela Valdez Flores and her family, Corpus Christie, TX. He is further survived by many wonderful grand-nieces/nephews in AZ, TX, and NJ. Nano is preceded in death by his beloved sisters, Luz and Sara Valdez of Robstown, TX.

Nano was born on March 29, 1927 in Houston, TX to Maria Melendez and Salvador Martinez. Salvador never married and after moving from Robstown, TX to Phoenix, AZ, in 1963, he began working in the food service industry in and around Scottsdale, AZ and dedicated his life to the care and support of his Niece, Sara Rodriguez and her children.

Nano had many talents — singing , swimming and ballroom dancing among them — he enjoyed playing Bingo, too; however it was his great and most unconditional love of family and humanity that fueled his desire to pray for and bless everyone he knew and met. He was a man of great faith and many knew him as “The Saint Who Sold Rosaries at 40th Street & McDowell Road”. He was a true prayer warrior, a kind, loving, humble and selfless soul who lived his life for God and family.

A funeral is scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2020 at Resthaven Park East Cemetery at 4310 East Southern Avenue, Phoenix, Maricopa County, AZ. Viewing from 9:30 am to 11:30 am; Funeral Services at 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

Graveside service is at 1:00 pm.

All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in honor of Salvador Castillo to Villa Ocotillo, a Residential Living Facility attention Patty Soper, Director at [email protected]. Condolences can be sent to [email protected]. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Honor Health Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center and to the amazing and incredibly compassionate Leadership and Caregiving Staff at Villa Ocotillo, a Residential Living facility. There are not enough words to adequately express our appreciation for all that you did for our beloved Uncle Nano: he was so blessed, thank you.