Jose "Uncle Simon" Castillo

SFC Jose Simon Castillo — known simply as “Uncle Simon” to scores of people across the country and around the world — passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, in Tampa, Florida, just five days before his 72nd birthday. He was born on March 25, 1954, in Dilley, Texas, a small South Texas town that gave the world a very big man.

Simon grew up between Dilley and San Antonio alongside six siblings, in a household where faith, loyalty, and hard work were not just values — they were a way of life. Before he was even a teenager, he was already working at the local diner, discovering early what would become a lifelong calling: feeding people, providing for people, and showing up for people. He attended Dilley High School, and not long after graduating, he answered a call even larger than himself.

A Soldier’s Life

In 1973, Simon enlisted in the United States Army, stepping into a uniform he would wear with pride for the next 23 years — 17 of which were served overseas. It was in 1974, while both were in service, that he met the woman who would become the love of his life, Marjorie. Their story began in uniform and grew into a lifelong partnership forged in shared sacrifice, mutual stubbornness, deep laughter, and unshakable devotion to one another.

Simon’s military career was one of remarkable depth and range. He served as a combat medic — a soldier trained to run toward the wounded when everyone else ran away — and rose to serve as a combat medic platoon leader, responsible for the readiness and lives of the men and women under his command. He also served in U.S. Army Operations Intelligence and as a certified Race Relations and Drug and Alcohol Counselor, bringing the same no-nonsense commitment to the wellbeing of his fellow soldiers that he brought to everything else in his life.

Later in his career, Simon became a drill instructor for combat medics, shaping the next generation of soldiers who would carry on that life-saving mission. He retired in 1995 as a Sergeant First Class (E-7), closing out 23 years of service with the respect of everyone who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Military Decorations & Badges

Among Simon’s military honors, he earned the prestigious Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) — one of the most demanding and respected badges in the U.S. Army, awarded only to those who demonstrate exceptional proficiency in combat medical skills under field conditions. He also earned the German Armed Forces Marksmanship Badge, a distinguished honor awarded by the German military to allied soldiers who demonstrate superior marksmanship — a fitting recognition for a man who spent 17 years serving alongside NATO allies on European soil.

A Life of Continued Service

After retirement, Simon traded his uniform for a postal supervisor’s badge, spending more than 20 years with the United States Postal Service. His work ethic never changed. He was no-nonsense, all-in, and thoroughly allergic to procrastination. The word “later” simply was not in his vocabulary. He expected the best from himself and quietly inspired it in everyone around him.

The Man Behind the Uniform

Away from work, Simon was at his happiest with a fishing pole in his hand or a kitchen full of people to feed. Fishing was his first love, but cooking and hosting ran a close second — if you found yourself at Simon’s table, you were family, full stop, regardless of whether you shared his blood or his last name.

He was funny, and he was proud of it. His sharp wit and his gift for giving you a hard time were, to those who knew him, love languages. If Simon was ribbing you, complaining about something you did, or shaking his head at you — congratulations. He had claimed you. Underneath every joke and every piece of unsolicited commentary was a man of ferocious loyalty who never hesitated for a single heartbeat to help anyone in need.

His Catholic faith was the bedrock beneath all of it. He kept close to him a rosary blessed by Pope John Paul II — a quiet, personal symbol of the God he trusted and the grace he carried through every chapter of his life.

Family

Simon is survived by his beloved wife and fellow veteran, Marjorie Castillo, and their son, Mitchell Castillo, both of Tampa, Florida.

He is also lovingly survived by his Texas family: his brother, Robert (Bobby) Castillo; his sisters, Maria Davila, Yolanda Trevino (Oscar), Nelda Gandara (Ely), and Esperanza Castillo; and the many nephews, nieces, and cousins who adored their Tío Simon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francisco Castillo Sr. and Esther S. Castillo; his brothers, Francisco Castillo Jr. and John S. Castillo Sr.; and his nephew, John Castillo Jr.

He is also survived by the countless people — neighbors, soldiers, coworkers, friends, and the many who simply called him Uncle Simon — whose lives he touched, whose burdens he helped carry, and who will feel his absence every single day.

“If Simon had your back, he had it for life.”

A Graveside Service with Full Military Honors will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33744, US, on April 10, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. Please arrive to the cemetery no later than 12:15 pm if you are attending the service. Thank you.