Manuel Anthony Castro Jr.

Manuel Anthony Castro, Jr.
December 5, 1961 - February 11, 2019
Manuel, Jr., was born in Tracy on December 5, 1961 to Manuel, Sr., and Ellen Castro; coming home to an older sister, Valla-Marie, who was ready to welcome her baby brother. Baby Manuel was baptized at St. Bernard’s. Shortly after, the two siblings welcomed another brother, Eric.
Manuel was a student of Banta Elementary School where he attended K – 8th, following in the shoes of Grandma Mary Castro and his dad. Even his children and some grandchildren attended, 5 generations of family attendance. He played sports while there; flag football, baseball, and basketball. He graduated in 1975.
His dad brought up Manuel and his brother Eric into the business, Castro Custom Hay Service, where he worked for many years.
Manuel attended high school at Tracy Joint Union High School where he was a member of FFA and enjoyed learning about meat cutting, graduating in 1979.
He met the love of his life, Gina Coyle, in May of 1986 and soon after proposed….she said “yes” and a date was set for March 1987.
Before Manuel marries Gina, his mom and dad have another baby adding a little sister to the three existing siblings. Welcome, Lanie!
He and Gina marry at St. Bernard’s, where he had received his sacraments and was an active parishioner, in March of 1987. Bearing fruits of their love, five children join their family; Michael, Bernadette, Caitlyn, Manuel, and Alissa; all of whom he was so proud of and loved very much.
Manuel went out on his own leaving the comfort and security of the family business to experience other endeavors such as working in construction and operating heavy equipment.
Together, Manuel and Gina fought Gina’s battle with cancer successfully. A testament to their love and faith.
Manuel was a sports fan of football, basketball, and baseball. He, in his younger years, enjoyed playing city league basketball with his brother Eric and brother-in-law Mark. He also gave back to the community as a sports coach at Banta School. Manuel particularly enjoyed college football and for years was an avid fan of the Oklahoma Sooners, OU, evidenced by all his OU clothing and gear. Everyone who knew him, knew he was proud and loud about his OU team!
Family meant the world to Manuel. He loved having and attending family dinners, BBQs, and just spending time with his loved ones, family and friends.
He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Castro, Sr., and his siblings; Valla-Marie (Mark) Dunkel, Eric (Jamie) Castro, and Lanie (Robbie) Iannucci. He is survived by his wife of almost 32 years, Gina, and their five children (and families); Michael (Ciara) Castro, Bernadette (Omar) Maldonado, Caitlyn Castro, Manuel (GF - Mika Fithian) Castro, and Alissa (Fiancé - Justin Thompson) Castro; and six grandchildren, Celiana, Orion, Benjamin, Arabella, & Wynter Castro; and Levi Maldonado; plus Hunter due 7/8/19; and numerous nieces and nephews; all of whom will miss him dearly. He passed away on Monday, February 11, 2019.
ROSARY: Tuesday, 02/26/2019, 7pm, Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 South Central Avenue, Tracy, CA MASS: Wednesday, 02/27/2019, 11am, St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 163 West Eaton Avenue, Tracy, CA BURIAL: Following Mass at Tracy Public Cemetery

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