Castulo Sanchez

Castulo Sanchez, 73, of Robinson, IL, passed away on November 3, 2025, in the comfort of his home. He was born on February 12, 1952, in Villanueva, Zacatecas, Mexico, where the land itself seemed to shape him. He grew up working on a ranch, tending horses and cattle, helping his family brand livestock. The work was not glamorous, but it taught him something important: you show up, you put your hands to the task, and you keep going. He always carried that cowboy sense of steadiness with him.

His life took him many places. He served in the Mexican military at a young age and eventually made the bold decision to come to the United States in the late 1970s. He arrived with determination, curiosity, and a desire to build something solid. He attended night school in order to learn English, and part of the reason was simple: there was a girl named Kay he wanted to talk to. In learning to speak with her, he began writing a love story that would become central to his life. They married, built a home together, raised children, and created a life marked by equal parts grit and affection.

Castulo worked for the Leaf candy company, first in Chicago, and then in 1993, when the company moved him to Robinson. He stayed on through the transition to Hershey, working in the Whoppers panning room, where the work was steady and consistent. He retired in 2014, having earned the kind of tired satisfaction that only comes from decades of honest, steady work. There was a long stretch of life when, after work, Castulo could reliably be found at the bar with his friend Kenny. It was not about the drinks so much as the companionship, the shared laughter, and the feeling of belonging in a familiar place.

Later, retirement offered a different kind of rhythm. McDonald's became something like a second kitchen table, especially when he had grandkids in tow. They all knew the routine. Chicken nugget meal. Sprite. And always time spent together. When his own children were growing up, he had a strictness that came from wanting to raise them well. But as the years passed, something softened in him. Around his grandchildren, he laughed more. He joked more. He called them his "monkeys" and spoke strings of playful nonsense that made little sense but always brought smiles to their faces. In recent years, Castulo lived with Erica's family, and the closeness of daily life wove them deeply together. He shared a particularly quiet and meaningful bond with young Denver.

It must be said that Castulo was strong. Even near the end, his strength showed up in his fight to stay, to hold on, to be with the people he loved. He was hardworking, stubborn at times, protective by instinct. He liked to spend time outside, simply sitting, listening, breathing in the day. He fed the birds and the squirrels, finding peace in watching small life return again and again. For all the places he traveled and all the work he had done, the wonder he carried at the world around him never faded.

Those who love him will remember his humor, his stubborn courage, his loyalty, and the way his love became gentler and more visible as the years went on. In the end, he showed us that a life does not have to be loud to be full.

He is survived by his children, Mohammad Fox, Valentin Sanchez, and Erica & Michale Newman. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Julia Fox, Aleah Fox, Cori Fox, Isabella Sostenes, Isaac Newman, and Denver Newman, and by his great-granddaughter, Lilo Boggs. Several siblings, nieces, and nephews also carry his memory forward. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fernando Sanchez & Luisa Nunez Sanchez, and by his wife, Kay Sanchez.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A celebration of his life will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, family and friends will be invited to share stories that reflect the fullness of his life. Cremation will follow, and his remains will be laid to rest at the Oak Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, with envelopes available at the funeral home.