OBITUARY
On Tuesday, December 9, Cirilo “Pancho” Castañeda was called home by his Father in Heaven, after a long battle with heart disease.
Pancho was born Tuesday March 27, 1962, in El Paso. The family moved to San Angelo in 1975 where Pancho attended Lee Jr. High School and graduated from Central High School in 1981.
Pancho worked at Ethicon Inc. for many years. He also attended Howard College and received his CNA certification. Pancho was always the life of the party, with his instant smile, and laughter that would fill the room accompanied by a cheerful greeting for everyone he encountered. Pancho was everybody’s best friend.
Pancho was a single father for many years before marrying his longtime friend Sylvia Montes.
Pancho was preceded in death by his “Dad” Stewart Southern, and his birth father Juan Manuel Castañeda.
Pancho is survived by his children; Monique Castañeda and fiancée Clayton Wilson, Frank Castañeda and his wife Justine Castañeda, and Krystal Castañeda and fiancée Matthew Nusskern.
His stepchildren Carol Peek, Nichole Wollner, and Kimberly Vazquez.
His grandchildren Kaylea Wilson, Jensen, Jaylea, Jade, and Jonah Castañeda, David and Atticus Singletary, Trestin and Ethan Wollner. Pancho is survived by his mother, Jovita Southern, his sisters Mary Sifuentes, Linda Erickson, Rosalinda DeLeon, Terry Thompson, and his only brother Juan Castañeda. His Brothers-in-Law Jessie Sifuentes, David Erickson, Antonio DeLeon, Dusty Thompson, and his Sister-in-Law Maribel Castañeda.
Nieces and nephews; Monica Atkins, Joshua Martinez and Andrew Sifuentes, Kimberly and Sam Torres, Sarah, James Jr., and Josiah Cuellar. Vanessa Spivak, Marc Castañeda, and Trista “The Biscuit” Thompson. And many great-nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Pancho’s healthcare team and the Shannon ICU nurses who provided him with exceptional care; Resident Nurse Diego, in particular, who went above and beyond.
Pancho wanted to share this message: “Love one another, be kind, never miss an opportunity to say, ‘I Love You,’ smiles are free; remember me and give one to everyone you see.”
A celebration of Pancho’s life will be at 4 p.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Harper Funeral Home with Bishop Eddie Bonner officiating.
— From Harper Funeral Home
