OBITUARY
Gabriel Castañeda
August 15, 1959 – February 17, 2021
Gabriel Castañeda, age 61, of Huntsville, Alabama passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Gabriel was born August 15,1959 in La Estancia, Zacatecas, Mexico to the late Salvador Castañeda and Martha Castañeda De Esparza. Beside his parents, he is also preceded in death by sister, Theresa Castañeda, brother Salvador Castañeda, nephew Jacob Daniel Castañeda and beloved pet Tiny Castañeda. Gabriel grew up in Blue Island, IL. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelors in Spanish and Mathematics. He joined the United States Army in February of 1985, married and moved to Nuremberg, Germany in 1987. Gabriel fought in the 1st Desert Storm in 1990. After Desert Storm they moved to Colorado Springs in 1994 and continued his work as a Calibrator. In 1999 he moved to Huntsville, Al and transitioned to a calibrator instructor. Gabriel retired from the Army on March 1, 2005 as an E6. He graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering in May of 2010. After graduating, he became a Physicist for the U.S. Government. Gabriel was proud to run in the Cotton Row Run for 3 years. The 1st & 2nd year, he ran after his leg amputation, the 3rd year he ran was after 3 heart attacks and 1 open heart double bypass surgery, and 1 open heart triple bypass surgery with valve replacement. Gabriel is survived by his loving wife Aurora Castañeda, loving children; Isabel Castañeda, Velia Castañeda and Adrian Gabriel Castañeda. Grandson Liam Joel Pabellon. Son-N-Law Josue Joel Pabellon, and dear pet Ava Castañeda. Visitation for Gabriel will be held Friday, February 26, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Valhalla Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will be Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Valhalla Funeral Home Chapel. Gabriel will be laid to Rest at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Castaneda family. Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans Huntsville #26 in the name of Gabriel Castañeda.
Services
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Visitation
Friday, February 26, 2021
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Celebration of Life with Military Honors
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Memories
Gabriel Castañeda
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJanis Lingenfelter
February 27, 2021
We will miss seeing Gabriel...he always had a smile and wave when we saw him in our neighborhood! Praying his family can find some peace and comfort in their memories of Gabriel as well as memories from others. We are also grateful for his military service and sacrafice. If there's anything we can do or help with, we're here any time.
Asean & Janis
Cecilia Southern
February 27, 2021
I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family. I thought the world of Gabe, and was very shocked and saddened by his passing. He was a good man and a good friend.
Laura Hargett
February 26, 2021
GABE and his family are precious to me, always had a hearty laugh and welcome me in his home . Rest In Peace GABE and you left
A family that loves and will forever miss you, but they will be just fine! I will never forget the
“PEP” talk we had and to learn that it really made a difference! You are healed now my friend and some day we will meet again🙏
Dorcas Flores
February 26, 2021
To the Castañeda Family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bring comfort and peace to your hearts. I met Gabriel in H.S. back in Blue Island. I will remember him fondly, he always made us laugh.
Que Dios los bendiga y fortaleza en éstos momentos de dolor. Descansa en paz amigo.
Dorcas Garza Flores
Morris Smith
February 26, 2021
To the family.
Gabriel and i work in the lab together ,we became not only coworkers but friends.
His suffering is over . May he forever rest in peace.
With deepest Sympathy.
Morris and Annie Smith
Brian Owens
February 26, 2021
Family,
I send my deepest condolences and prayers! Gabriel and I had many conversations and I really enjoyed him taking the time to do so, even when he was not feeling his best! He will not be forgotten!
Joyce Oliver
February 26, 2021
To The Entire Castaneda Family,
May God bless & strengthen you during your time of sorrow.
Gabriel was a beautiful person & he will be missed by many.
Gloria Cleare
February 26, 2021
God Bless Mr. Castaneda and to his wife,children and grandchild know he is at peace!
Shalanda White
February 25, 2021
I send my deepest condolences to the family. Our prayers are with you.
God Bless
VICTORIA OWENS
February 22, 2021
I send my deepest condolences to the family. Our prayers are with you. Gabriel was a very nice co-worker. He will be miss.
God Bless
JAMES YATES
February 22, 2021
I send my deepest condolences . Me and Gabriel went 35H Advance Individual Training (AIT) together.
Mr. James L. Yates
Karen Brennan
February 22, 2021
Dear Isabel, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like an amazing man. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Karen
Russell Nelson
February 22, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and hearts and prayers.
Coco Saucedo
February 19, 2021
Dear Ms. Jaramillo (Martha),
I am so very sorry to hear this news :( From the brief description I read, your brother was a wonderful person. We honor him for serving our country and your family honors him in countless ways! I pray that your family may have time to grieve in light of this difficult news, and that one day at a time, you may be filled with comfort and strength as his memory continues to live within you!
With heartfelt thoughts and prayers,
Coco Saucedo (Lincoln School)