Bruce Leroy Castro

In Loving Memory of Bruce Leroy Castro

            Bruce Leroy Castro was called into God’s heavenly kingdom on December 24, 2022. Bruce was born on September 19, 1960 to Ernesto “Ernie†Castro and Tommie Trevino Castro. Bruce was 62 years old at the time of his passing. Bruce was preceded in death by his younger brother, Bryan Lane Castro, his maternal and paternal grandparents and several Aunts and Uncles. He is survived by his parents, Ernie and Tommie Castro, his son, Bruce Castro, II, his daughter, Kaylah Nicole Castro and his nephew, Michael Hunter Castro.  He is also survived by numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins who loved him and will miss him dearly.

          Bruce graduated from Pace High School in 1979. He went on to further his education at Texas Southmost College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement and soon after began his teaching and coaching career.

          Bruce’s passion was coaching football and powerlifting, being an inspiration to all his students and the athletes he mentored throughout his coaching career. He started his coaching career at St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, Texas in 1996 and became head coach in 2001-2005.  He went on to coach at Progreso ISD, San Benito ISD, Lopez High School and his current coaching position at Stell Middle School.  Those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his kindheartedness, thoughtfulness and consideration have been blessed beyond measure. He stood firm in his beliefs no matter the cost.

          Bruce earned a blackbelt in the martial art form of Kuk Sool Won.  He was an avid hunter who loved spending time at the family ranch. He also served as a US Deputy Marshall from 1985 to 1995. During his time with the US Deputy Marshall’s office, a colleague asked him if he wanted to compete in a track meet to benefit a slain police officer’s family in Laredo, Texas and of course he jumped at the chance.  He threw the 16-pound shot put 48 feet and won convincingly.

          He also played football at Pace High School and Texas State University. While at Texas State University, he tried out with the Dallas Cowboys as a walk on. Bruce was also selected to compete in the Police Olympics in Edmonton, Canada that were held in 1990. He was one of 30 US Deputy Marshalls to compete in this event. Bruce’s sense of community and whole-hearted willingness to help others was demonstrated during the tragic Casa Amigo store collapse in 1988.  He was there at ground zero working day and night with other volunteers in an effort to find survivors in the ruble. He was a warrior and always put others first. He gave his all and never expected anything in return.

          He was a gentle giant who was affectionately known by friends and family as “Bruiser†but far from it. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for those he loved and cared about.

          Visitation with family will be Friday, December 30, 2022, from 4PM to 7PM with a Celebration of Life at 7PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Services will conclude at the end of the evening. Services are under the guidance of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Flower Shop. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485

To send flowers or a plant to the family in the memory of Mr. Bruce Leroy Castro, please visit https://didisflowershop.com/shop or call (956) 455-3718.