Neil Castro

It is with much sadness that we announce the death of Neil Castro on September 4, 2013 at his home in Wittmann, Arizona. Neil was born on March 19, 1951 in Wickenburg, Arizona to Alfred and Emma (Eckles) Castro. His father's heritage dates back to the early missions and the 1776 second expedition to San Francisco, California with Juan Bautista de Anza. Neil graduated from Wickenburg High School and after graduation served in the United States Navy. In the Navy he learned to cook and upon honorable discharge he was employed in this sector for the majority of his life. Neil married Dixie Hutchinson on December, 2, 1979, and helped raise her five daughters, and in 1980 their daughter Amanda was born. Neil and Dixie resided in Salome, Arizona until moving to Louisiana in 2002. On Sept. 4, 2007 his wife passed away after a long illness, and he and Amanda moved back to Arizona in late August, 2012. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Amanda Castro, Valarie Griggs, Valinda Vickers, Vanessa Pontious, Vicki Sams, Veronica Newmann. Neil is also survived by his sister Illa Castro Sahlin of Ohio, brother George and sister-in-law Sandra Castro of Glendale, Arizona. His nieces and nephews include: Julia Macias Brooks, Debbie Macias Griffiths, Mike, Frank, & Alex Macias, Doug Bambridge, Jacqueline Bambridge, David Castro, Gloria Leon, Dale Albrecht, Cindy Albrecht, and Laurie Lyons. He is also survived by many wonderful life time friends and church family. Neil was preceded in death by his wife Dixie, sisters Carmelita Macias, Patricia Bambridge Alexander, nephew Joey Castro, and his parents. A memorial interment service is scheduled for Saturday, September 28 at 10:00 a.m. at the Wickenburg Municipal Cemetery at the grave of his sister Carmelita. Friends are invited to attend a celebration lunch immediately following the interment at the Wickenburg Elks Lodge.