Jose Angel “Joe” Castilleja, 61, was called home by the Lord Monday on December 16, 2024.

He was a fierce linebacker at Martin High School #07, a hardworking man, an amazing husband, a wonderful father, and a great friend but most of all, he was a true trooper. Mr. Castilleja retired from the Laredo Independent School District, where he worked since he was 18 years old. He spent most of his career at Daiches Elementary. He loved his job and always found a way to put a smile on others’ faces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Maximiliano and Maria Lilia Castilleja and his siblings, Jorge Alberto Castilleja, Miguel Castilleja and Sylvia Castilleja.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Margarita Herrera, his daughters, Rosalie Castilleja (Cesar Maldonado), Melanie Castilleja (Stuard Wolson) and Maricela Herrera; stepchildren, Cristina Herrera, Jose Antonio Herrera, Joseline Herrera, Martin Rodriguez, Miguel Angel Rodriguez and Elizabeth Rodriguez. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Jolie Castilleja, Chae Castilleja, Sebastian Martinez, Leila Castilleja, Madeline Wolson and Maricela Huerta; mother of his daughters, Lourdes Castilleja; siblings, Maximilliano Castilleja, Lilia Castilleja, Rosalinda (Antonio) Godoy, Daniel Omar (Laura) Castilleja, Maria Priscilla Castilleja and Aida Yvette Castilleja, along with other family members and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Nieto Funerals & Cremations, 3502 US Hwy 83; where a Rosary for the Deceased will begin at 7:00 pm.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, December 27, 2024, departure from Nieto Funerals & Cremations to St. Joseph Catholic Church for a Service of Christian Burial. Funeral Mass time will start at 9:30 am.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are by Nieto Funerals & Cremations, 3502 US Hwy 83, Laredo, Texas 78046 (956) 723-3723. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.nietofuneral.com