Jose L. Castilleja
Funeral Monday 8:45 am from Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home to St. Agnes of Bohemia Church for Mass at 10:00 am.
Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Visitation Sunday from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
Castilleja, Jose L, age 85, was born into eternal life on January 30, 2022. Beloved Husband to Magdalena, loving father to the late Gabriel “Papo”, Juan “Prieto” (Julia), and Jose “Meme” (Jeanette) Castilleja and Magdalena Sofia (Lucio) Marin. Doting grandfather to Griselda “Lala”, Anthony and Sophia Castilleja, Hannah and Madeline Marin and a great grandfather to Julianna Castilleja. Jose was lovingly known to many as “Maestro Pepe” because of his extensive knowledge in construction. Originally from Monterrey, Mexico he moved into Chicago’s Little Village Neighborhood in the early 1970’s. During this era Little Village experienced rapid growth in commerce and became known as “Mexico of the Midwest” as many people made this Mexican American community their home and place of many mom-and-pop shops.
He was an entrepreneur and businessman taking all his savings and together with his wife Magdalena launched several businesses including a hardware store in the heart of Little Village called “El Tornillo”. He owned and operated his business for over 20 years with the help of his family and numerous employees who describe him as a mentor and credit him for teaching them many skills which revolved around helping others and going the extra mile. El Tornillo was the place to shop for all your home improvement needs whether it was for construction services, providing advice to all the local DIY projects, getting your jalapeno plants during the spring and the place to go when you needed a key made. When you entered El Tornillo you were greeted by Maestro Pepe who can be found wearing a flannel shirt, work pants with many keys dangling on the side belt loop and sporting his favorite Florsheim shoes, but what stood out the most was his charismatic personality, infectious laugh, and his eagerness to help all who entered his store. His patrons were all local resident and business owners who had construction needs due to the rapid expansion in the community. Many businesses present today have a touch of Maestro Pepe in them because he helped remodel, expand, maintain them, and tried to patronize them any chance he had.
He took on leadership roles to help support the community; he served as the Treasurer of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce for many years, attended and hosted fundraisers along with his wife Magdalena and attended many social gatherings to add fun to a community who worked so hard. He received several recognitions including one outstanding community service. Today, as you enter Little Village you will be greeted by a prominent Chicago landmark, a Terracotta arch which reads “Bienvenidos a Little Village” welcoming all those who enter this loving community with open arms. Maestro Pepe was proud to be a contributor along with many people who helped with this project. Later during his retirement years, he enjoyed socializing with his friends at the local Dunkin Donuts where they would gather to talk about random topics and reminisce from the fun times of the past. Many good laughs were had, and many strong bonds were formed. While Maestro Pepe enjoyed the role, he played in his community, his favorite role was that of a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed being silly with the kids and never took himself too seriously. He participated in tictoks, attended his grandchildren’s sport events, danced, and loved them wholeheartedly. This is evident in the enormous void he has left in their hearts but filled with precious memories of his dedication and love. Jose Castilleja “Maestro Pepe” will be remembered for his infectious laugh, his attention to customer service, his impeccable work ethic but most importantly instilling his legacy in his children who share his qualities, recognize all his efforts, and strive to make their father proud.