Alfred E. Castillo
“Fred”
In Loving Memory of Alfred E. Castillo "Fred", 90 of Key Largo, FL, passed away on March, 9th, 2016 at Brookdale Senior Living in Forest City, NC. He is survived by his loving & devoted wife Martha E. Castillo, his daughter Paulette J. Mick and Son-in-Law John C. Mick of Rutherfordton, NC; his son David Castillo of Yacolt, WA; his granddaughter Jean Mick-Jollay and her husband Kenny Jollay of Lake Lure, NC. He also leaves behind dear Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Family Friends in Key Largo and Miami, FL and across the Country.
Fred was born on May 3, 1925 in Miami, Florida. He was the youngest of four children and he was preceded in death by his parents Jose and Juliana Castillo; sister Esther Atkins, and brothers Joseph “Joe” Castillo and Anthony “Tony” Castillo.
He Graduated from Gesu High School in Miami, FL. When he joined the U.S. Marines, on February 17, 1943 (prior to his graduation). His sister received his Diploma for him, on May 13, 1943. He entered the Marine Corps boot camp in Parris Island, SC. In 1943 he shipped out of San Diego, CA to Hawaii on the USS Kalinin Bay. He spent 58 days sleeping on the ship’s deck on a cot, with a tarp over him, until he arrived in the Pacific/Guam/Palau. He served as a Staff Sergeant and was a Radar Operator. He received an Honorable Discharge on November 13, 1945 from the Marines in Cherry Point, NC. He started his first career job at the Miami Herald when he returned. Being a paperboy before WWII, he returned and started as a District Sales Manager, then promoted to Chief Express Sales Manager from Miami to South American and Caribbean Islands. Then in the Late 70’s to 80’s he Managed Distribution of the Miami Herald for all of Key Largo’s Residential and Business Customers, until he Retired from the Miami Herald. He continued to Invest in Real Estate, as well as working Sales of RV’s and Cars from Key Largo to Ocala FL.
As a devoted WWII Veteran, he was an Officer and a Life Member at the VFW Post 10211 in Key Largo, FL. He was a Member of the American Legion, the Moose as well as a Member of the Miami Pioneer Club. His family will miss him dearly, he was always willing to lend a helping hand and was very generous. Everyone enjoyed his jokes, his keen knowledge and business sense. He loved his family and friends! Each has been touched by him. Semper Fi!
Fred requested to have no funeral services. So, the family will have a private celebration of his life. The family asks that in Lieu of Flowers you make a Donation to one of 3 Organizations: The VFW at ~http://heroes.vfw.org/goto/FredCastillo ; Fred also Loved Animals, so Donations can be made in his Memory to a Humane Society near you at www.humanesociety.org ; or Support The Miami VA Fisher House. It is "a home away from home" for families of Veterans and Military Service members receiving care at the Miami VA Medical Center. For over a month Fred’s Family was able to stay at the Fisher House, after he underwent hip surgery in July of 2014. Donations can be made in person, by mail or online at www.miami.va.gov (click on E-Donate). Checks should be made out to "Miami VAHS." Please note "Fisher House, GPF #8033" in the memo section. Donations can be mailed to: Miami VA Healthcare System - Fisher House (122) - 1201 NW 16th St. Miami, FL 33125, Ph. 305-575-7260 or go directly the Fisher House Organization http://www.fisherhouse.org. Online Condolences can be made at www.crowemortuary.com. Crowe’s Mortuary Rutherfordton, NC is assisting the Castillo Family.

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