Manuel Castillo

A native of San Antonio, Texas, 25-year-old Manny moved to Brooklyn, New York to pursue his dream of becoming a professional opera singer. He performed for over 20 years with New York City Opera, The Metropolitan Opera, as well as many other local amateur and professional singing groups. His singing was always a beloved highlight at family weddings and other events, including wake-up calls for his children.

His passion for classical music and opera continued during his 30 years living in Fords, New Jersey where he was a proud member of the OLP choir, in addition to singing at weddings, funerals, and special events. To support his life’s passion he also had a successful career in the hospitality industry working at many New York City hotels until his retirement in 2019. He was a proud 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Fords, New Jersey.

Since retiring to Arizona in 2021, Manny’s love of music continued with membership in the Sun City Grand Music Club, where he performed in various productions. In addition to his music, he took full advantage of the weather developing a fondness for water volleyball (men’s and mixed leagues), Bocce, and relaxing in the pool. Manny enjoyed spending time with his and Eileen’s new friends and keeping their home filled with love and music.

Manny was preceded in death by his parents Encarnacion and Francisca Castillo, and infant sister Margarita; son-in-law Neal Stephens; and sisters-in-law Mary Castillo and Josefina Castillo. Manny is survived by his wife of 32 years, Eileen Ecker; daughter Tamarra Parker-Stephens (of Millersport, Ohio); sons Gino S. Castillo (of New Brunswick, NJ) and Gabriel Emmanuel Castillo (of Fords, NJ); grandson Natalio R. Parker; siblings Evangelina (Margarito) Reyes, Ricardo Castillo, Daniel Castillo, David Castillo, Elizabeth (John) Santos; brothers and sisters-in-law Robert (Anita) Ecker (of Port St. Lucie, FL), Chris (Connie) Ecker (of Peoria, AZ), David (Bunny Egerton) Ecker (of New Market, MD), Joan (Michael) Fuchs (of Aurora, IL) and Matthew (Lynn) Ecker (of Hastings, NY); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and beloved friends.

A visitation for Manuel will be held on August 15, 2024 from 4-8pm at Sunland Memorial Park and Mortuary in Sun City, Arizona. A funeral mass will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church on August 16, 2024 at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or the National Kidney Foundation.