Alejandro has been gone for what feels like so long, but I want to write today to say that I still think about him every time I set foot in Daley Library. He was my go-to person for DVDs and we would always chat about Germany or Werner Herzog or some other interest we shared. He was a constant reminder that kindness, creativity, and humor could be found everywhere among friends on campus. I still remember what must have been the last time I saw him coming out of the room where the DVDs were kept, knowing he was bringing it personally so he could ask what we were discussing in my class. Forever a blessing.

Apologies for being so late to this, but I just found out moments ago. I'm deeply saddened and stunned to learn about Alex's passing. I thought about him just last week as I drove by his parent's house and it brought a smile to my face. 

There is so much to say about Alex and what he meant to me but I'll try to be brief. I knew Alex because he was Andy's older brother and Andy was my childhood best friend.  My best and happiest childhood memories are because of Alex (and Andy too, of course). 

As a kid, Alex was someone I looked up to and deeply admired. He was a smart, smart guy and super interesting to talk to.  Alex introduced me to filmmaking and story telling. When I was 6 or 7, we shot a short film using action figures in one of the bedrooms of his parent's house. We also talked about the short stories he was writing. One of them about an action hero based in the Florida Everglades. When he went to the Army, I was in awe. He didn't inspire me to join the Army; however, because in my mind only the bravest dare go and, well that was Alex.  It was great to hear about his adventures when he was stationed in Germany. As an early teen, Alex shared with me his love for electronics and new music and, of course, I had to emulate him and so I saved up to get my own gear and music. My love for tech and music continues to this day because of Alex.

When I moved away to Los Angeles, regretfully I lost contact with Alex and Andy.  However, Alex's influence has stayed with me as I'm sure it will for the many people who knew him. Continue resting in peace, dear friend. I look forward to catching up with you in the next life.

I was saddened to hear of Alex's passing. I fondly remember working with Alex on the issues that arose with the textbook collection. He always said hello when I walked in the door by saying "Greetings!" That small act of kindness always warmed my heart even on the most stressful days. I recall our conversations on photography and how we shared a photography challenge to improve our skills. I know the Library and UIC community will miss him. 

Alejandro was our nephew. I remember many memories of him as an infant and grown man! I was his first babysitter. I was 11 years old. He was so sweet and  cuddly. I enjoyed caring for him! My 2 others sisters Mercy and Josie lived with Alejandros Mom and Dad!  We were like a family! I was truly blessed to have known him as a child and as a grown man. He grew to be a wonderful person ! Respectful and honest.  He served  God and country and many other people in his job in the Library in Chicago!  Alejandro will be missed by many especially his Mother and his brother, aunts and uncles. May God continue to bless and protect them ! Love forever!!!

I worked with Alejandro for the last four years in the Chancellor's Committee on the Status of People with Disabilities, at UIC.  I will miss his great leadership, his unique passion to help and assist anyone who needs help. His impact on the Committee during the last five years is matchless. May Alejandro's soul rest in peace. Charles

My deepest sympathy to his family.    I have retired from UIC Library but remember Alex well.   

Alejandro was that rare person that was both a good storyteller and a good listener. I will miss him and all his ideas. Seeing him in his yellow rain coat always made me smile.

Alejandro always had the ability to make people laugh and put one at ease.  Sometimes he would come to LHS Chicago when we had  professional development meetings.  He always participated and encouraged others to add their input as well.  He will be deeply missed. 

My sincere condolences to Alex's family. My memories of him go back to his student days when he worked for the Library's Special Collections.  He was such a bright guy that I knew any interaction would spawn an interesting conversation. While we didn't work in the same unit, I always enjoyed interacting with him on our library committee work.  As many others have said, he'll be both missed and fondly remembered at the UIC Library.

Alejandro was a unique person, very quite and friendly,  he was very knowledgeable and passionate about movies. We share several conversation from just about any topic you can possibly think of.   

We were on the same committee together (Daley Access/RAM Work Group) in which he was the Chairperson.  I will always remember his salutation "Greetings" when you walked into the Reserve Department or if you ran across him in passing.  I would reply back "Earthlings" and he would laugh.  He will be missed by his UIC family and friends.  May he Rest In Eternal Peace.

My deepest condolences to Alejandro's family on this terrible loss.  Alejandro was a thoughtful co-worker who always put people first, whether it was sharing photos, taking the time for a brief chat, or working for our library patrons on accessibility and other issues.  

We ran into each other last month on my last day at the library before my retirement and he was heartfelt in wishing me all the best, and I said I would be sure to stop by when I visited - who knew that was not to be?

I am sorry he did not have more time to pursue his interests and enjoy some time in retirement.  I will miss his kindness and sense of humor.  

I think one of the clearest memories I have of Alejandro was not long after I met him. We were hired at the same time and were having a conversation in the staff lounge. I don't recall what we were talking about - many things are unfortunately lost to time - but I remember he absolutely caught me off guard with a dry one-liner. The memory of him smirking at me, absolutely delighted that he had made me laugh so hard, is what I will remember clearest. That amused smirk was just so him.

I have many happy memories of working with Alejandro. For many years, we would discuss our favorite movies when I went down to the circulation desk to check out DVDs on Friday afternoons. I always looked forward to these conversations and how they brightened up my weekend. Sending my condolences to his family for this sudden and tragic loss. 

Alejandro will be greatly missed from all of us at UIC who had the opportunity to meet him and work with him. He served the University with passion and kindness and will be remembered for the difference he made for our students.  

Alejandro was a sweet guy as well as humbled spirit.  Anytime I would see him in the Daley Library or running in the Reserve Unit to asked him a question about Textbook project or something I had to leave for a colleague - he would say "Greetings" when I walked in the Reserve Unit  and  he would proceed with answering my question.  He will be truly missed by so many coworkers here at the Daley Library.

I haven’t known Alejandro for a long time but he has been such a wonderful person to work with at the UIC library.  I’ll remember him as being extremely thoughtful and always thinking about what is best for students and the UIC community. My thoughts are with his family.

Alejandro's passing is a great loss. He was involved in many aspects of the UIC library and campus, so I had the opportunity to work with him regularly over the years. He had many interests, a sense of humor, and a lot of knowledge to share with everyone. He made a lot of contributions to students through his everyday effort. It's hard to believe that I won't be seeing him in a zoom meeting soon. 

I didn't know Alejandro too well, but I loved running into him at the Daley Library because we had some similar interests and he was such a warm and outgoing person. When I would run into him at the circ desk it would almost always spark an interesting conversation between us (usually about ancient history). The library will not be the same without him this Fall, and I will miss him.

In a recent mini-interview in our department at the UIC Library, Alejandro expressed preferences for m&ms, ninjas, and backpacking through South East Asia. 

He was a champion for accessibility, he loved planning and networking, he was writing a novel. He was also everyone's friend and never hesitated to offer his assistance. 

He will be missed very much and, even if it was all-too-brief, it was my privilege to have gotten to know him.  <3

The last time I was leaving work, He said "Hi."  I was in a rush on my way to see my mom, Abbie. After I realized  he spoke, I said, "Hi." It felt like he was trying to tell me something,  but I kept going because my mom was really sick that day.
 
Alejandro will always be know as the tech savvy guy with war stories. He was also very active with the diversity committee. According to my mom, he was very passionate about it.

When the Reserve Unit used to have Christmas parties, almost every year my mom would pull his name and he always wanted rechargeable batteries. We always went to Batteries Plus to purchase them. 

He will be greatly missed. May God comfort his family during this difficult time. 

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Alejandro Castro

15 mai 1965 – 26 juin 2021

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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