Fidel Hernandez Castro

Fidel Castro Sr

11/16/1959 -03/03/2024

Fidel Castro Sr, the most joyous man, left our earth Sunday March 3rd 2024. He was born in a small Arizona town on November 16th,  1959 to Yolanda and Enrique Castro. He soon moved to Granger, Washington where he would plant his roots until his final breath.

Fidel met Lupe Vela and they Married in 1978, in Prosser, Washington. Getting Married at 18 yrs old isn’t always a recipe for longevity but for Fidel, Love was a verb. The sacrifices he made, the giving of himself, and the value that he actualized through his loving actions made those nearly 46 years fly by. Lupe was his queen, and he lived his life that way. Their love exceeds this life and extends beyond.

Fidel and Lupe had 3 beautiful kids: Crystal, Fidel Jr, and Michelle. He was their number one fan, and he led with love their entire lives. With his kids, he shared his love for the game of baseball, Tejano music and of fixing classic cars. To this day, you can find one of his kids at a baseball field, a car show, and listening to the beautiful accordion laced sound of Tejano music.

Fidel was a dynamic athlete, and baseball was his lifelong love (besides his family), he was a fixture at softball tournaments in the 1980’s and 1990’s. He was always chosen for the all-star team, and many MVP’s. If there was a softball tournament in the Yakima Valley or Columbia basin, he was in it with his family in the stands. There are many fond memories with teams like Ranier, Kino’s, TV Towne, La Familia and NRO. From these years he made and nourished many lifetime friendships.

So many people, here and in the afterlife, have been touched by Fidel. He was a “mama’s boy” and he always thought of ways he could be there for his mom and siblings. He was also the adopted son of the Hernandez/Vela Family. He was a reliable person for Grandpa Mike, Aunt Susie, Grandma Jenny Vela, and many more.

“We give those we love nicknames, because love requires a word that belongs to us alone.”

“My Cousin Vinnie”, “Fiddle Stix”, “Fido”, “Del” were among the many nicknames given to Fidel Sr. But the most important names were “Dad”, “Grandpa”, and “Babe”. To know Fidel was to love him, he was always there for us. He always wore a smile, showed his love, and he truly celebrated life. We can learn a lot from the way he lived, he will be sorely missed.

He was survived by his wife Lupe, children Crystal (Art), Fidel Jr (Alma), and Michelle (Gabby). His 14 Grandchildren; JJ, Janessa, Chiquis, Etzli, Fidel III, Xathian, Isiah, Vianney, Xander, Malaysia, Sierra, and Abby. He Also had one Great Grandbaby, Emiliano Azul. Siblings-Enrique (Olga), Javier (Mary), Melda (Ruben), Letty (Paul), Lionel and Priscilla. He is preceded in Death by his Granddaughter Baby Angel, Mother Yolanda, Father Enrique, sister Diana and brother-in-law Skippy.

Viewing and visitation will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 pm at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Sunnyside, WA. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Granger, WA with burial to follow at Zillah Cemetery in Zillah, WA. Those wishing to sign Fidel’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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