Guillermo Castañeda

Guillermo Castañeda

 

June 3, 1977 - December 31, 2022

 

On December 31st, 2022, Guillermo Castañeda unexpectedly passed away in his home. He was a beloved son, husband, father of three, brother, uncle, cousin, best friend, friend, coach, mentor, and colleague. 

 

Throughout his 45 years of life, he touched many people's lives through his contagious smile, laughter, and sociability. As a sports fan, he enjoyed watching his Denver Broncos and St. Louis Cardinals play. As a DC Comics fan, he quoted Batman all the time and considered himself as Batman. He had a gift when it came to fixing cars and called himself a car doctor.  He made friends wherever he went, whether it was talking to the cashier, at a softball tournament, baseball games, work, or at a store. No matter where he was going, it would take him ages to get in the car due to all the people stopping him to talk. He left a memorable impact on people’s lives.  

 

He lived in a home full of strong women who pushed him to be a better man. He was married to his beautiful high school sweetheart, Jacqueline for 23 ½ years. He was the father of his 23 year old twin daughters’ Victoria and Veronica, and his 17 year old daughter Vanessa was his clone. He was his daughters’ first dance partner and twirled them around while he shimmied and enjoyed their laughter.  He would dance, sing, watch endless amounts of action movies and chick flicks (although he would never admit it), played dominos and taught his daughters how to be geniuses at the game. He also tried to explain to them how to fix cars, but they never paid close enough attention, because they thought they would always have him around. His life was cut short, and he will miss many life events to come. This year in 2023, he physically won’t be present to celebrate Veronica and Adrian’s wedding and attend Vanessa’s high school graduation. However, his presence will be felt by everyone.

 

Memo, as his family called him, enjoyed reconnecting and reminiscing about memories of growing up. He had family members he would keep in touch with although he had many busy softball weekends. He got a kick of making jokes with his mom, Maria (Lica), and his two brothers, Antonio II and Trinidad. He too lost his father young, at the age of 21.  Now he is reunited with his late father, Antonio, and his father-figure, Tío Poncho, who also passed away in 2020. We imagine them together, catching up while drinking beer and watching baseball. 

 

To many he was Coach G, leaving an unforgettable imprint on the softball field and touching many families' and coaches' lives. He always left his mark between the chalk lines He empowered young ladies, pushing them past their limits to teach them a strong work ethic and  life lessons. He coached his three daughters all at different levels, but his big heart would always say, “All my players are like my daughters”. He enjoyed developing players that he saw potential in, turning them into athletes. He had many sayings, but one of his famous lines was, “No scootchies, it only hurts for a little bit”. He leaves behind his best friend, Jose Martinez, the Alfred to his Batman, to continue what they started together 15 years ago. 

 

Always surrounded by love, his smile and laughter will live on through us.

 

VISITATION

Date/Time:

Friday, January 27, 2023, from 4pm - 8pm. 

Location:

Redwood Chapel at Oakmont Memorial Park & Mortuary.

2099 Reliez Valley Rd, Lafayette, CA 94549

 

BILINGUAL MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL 

Date/Time:

Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 11am.

Location:

Christ the King Church 

199 Brandon Rd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

 

RECEPTION AND LUNCH RIGHT AFTER MASS

Please come join us to share your memories of Guillermo and enjoy some good food and drinks. 

Date/Time: January 28, 2023, following mass until 4pm.

Location:

The Pleasant Hill Senior Center 

233 Gregory Ln 

Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Lunch, non-alcohol drinks will be provided. 

Please contact Jackie (510-691-7262) if you would like to contribute by bringing food.

 

 

 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Guillermo Castañeda, please visit our Tree Store.