Gilberto Castillo

Gilberto Nogales Castillo entered eternal rest on May 15, 2026, in Tucson. He was born on February 6, 1935, in Ajo, AZ, to Gilberto Sinohui Castillo and Maria Nogales Castillo, and was the oldest of five children.

In 1952, Gilberto met the love of his life, Lydia Rosales Huerta. They were married on December 26, 1957, in Ajo, Arizona, and together built a loving family with their six children.

Gilberto is survived by his beloved wife, Lydia; his children Theresa (Martin), Frank (Theresa), Kathy, Tony (Leslie), and Margaret (Robert); and his sister, Mary. He will be forever missed by his 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Edna and Socorro; his brother, Antonio; and his beloved son, Paul.

Gilberto proudly served his country for three years in the United States Marine Corps and nine years in the Marine Corps Reserve, attaining the rank of Sergeant and receiving an honorable discharge. Following his military service, he worked as an electrician for Magma Copper Company in San Manuel until his retirement.

A faithful servant of Jesus, Gilberto dedicated much of his life to ministry and service. He attended his first Cursillo in 1966 and remained active in the Cursillo movement throughout his life. He also served for ten years in prison ministry and volunteered with the Boy Scouts, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Eastern Pinal Literacy Council, where he worked as a tutor. In addition, he generously shared his love of music by giving guitar lessons.

Gilberto was a gifted guitarist and singer who served for many years as director of the church choir in Mammoth before moving to Tucson in 2021. He found great joy in music, woodworking, and spending time with his family and community.