Israel "Moe" Castillo San Pedro

Israel "Moe" Castillo San Pedro, of San Benito, Texas, went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2025, at the age of 72. He was born on July 31, 1953, to his loving parents, Francisco and Carolina San Pedro, in El Campo, Texas. Israel was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who brought love, joy, and laughter to those around him.
Israel was a graduate of San Benito High School, Class of 1973. After graduation, he attended Southmost College in Brownsville, Texas, where he majored in law enforcement. He later made the decision to pursue a new career path in sales and distribution, where he spent many hardworking years. Israel was the immensely proud father of Steven and Stacie San Pedro.
Israel was a lifelong supporter of the mighty Greyhounds, attending games whenever he could. His love for football was well known, and he especially loved cheering for his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. He made unforgettable memories with his son, Steven-also a Cowboys fan-as they were able to attend a few home games together at AT&T Stadium.
Israel had a vibrant spirit; he would light up any room he entered. He loved to dance, especially to Tejano music-and he was an excellent dancer! He was always the first to start dancing once the music came on. Israel enjoyed going to garage sales and estate sales with his brother, Frank, and son, Steven. He would find collectibles and unique items to resell. Speaking of collectibles, Israel had plenty-including comic books, model cars, magnets, plushies, and marbles. His collection could be found throughout his home, reflecting his fun-loving and warm personality.
Israel's greatest joy in life was when his family would gather together, as he loved them very dearly. Whether they were barbecuing and watching sports or meeting up at a restaurant, he deeply valued the time that they spent together, connecting. He especially loved to visit with his beloved grandchildren, Lorena ("Nena"), Viviana ("Vivi"), Sol ("Solie"), and Julian ("Juju Bear"). Israel was someone who genuinely cared about others. He always took the time to truly get to know people. He was a thoughtful gift-giver and had a talent for making people feel seen for who they were. Israel was an observant, considerate, and loving person. He was the one to lend a helping hand, a needed hug, a listening ear, or simply be a safe presence when someone needed it.
Israel had a zest for life-there was never a dull moment with him. He maintained a positive outlook on all things. He was known for his larger-than-life personality, kind nature, and genuine spirit. Israel had a light-hearted sense of humor and a contagious smile, and he sure loved to make people laugh. We will miss all of the silly faces he loved to make! There are countless stories of Israel bringing joy and laughter to those around him. Beyond his silly side, he also loved to have meaningful conversations and share stories with those he cared for. He had a remarkable ability to connect with others.
Israel leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and compassion. His favorite animal was the lion; his favorite colors were red, orange, and yellow; and his favorite superhero was Superman. Even his favorite things mirrored his passion, strength, courage, energy, and optimism. Israel will be deeply missed and forever loved-but he will never be forgotten. Everything Israel was will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will live on not only in our memories, but in the way we choose to live-with joy, faith, and an open heart toward others. Israel taught us to work hard, laugh often, live fully, and love wholeheartedly.
Israel's strong faith was a guiding light throughout his life, and he always had it in his heart to share God's love with others. He was passionate about attending church and worshipping God. Though we mourn Israel's passing, we rejoice in the beautiful life he lived and the heavenly peace he now enjoys.
Israel is preceded in death by his loving parents, Francisco Sr. and Carolina San Pedro; his sisters, Elida Perez, Paula Villanueva, Teresita Gaytan, Gloria Perez, Natividad Cervantes, and Beatrice Saldivar; and his brothers, Jose Manuel San Pedro and Santos San Pedro.
Left to cherish his memory are his children: son, Steven (Jessica) San Pedro, and daughter, Stacie San Pedro (Vicente Schuermann); grandchildren: Lorena San Pedro, Viviana San Pedro, Sol San Pedro, and Julian San Pedro; his sisters, Frances Sauceda and Elena Gaytan; his brothers, Francisco San Pedro Jr. and Jose Luis San Pedro; as well as his loving nieces, nephews, and friends, who will carry his memory with them always.
Having the distinguished honor to serve as pallbearers are Donnie San Pedro, Ricky San Pedro, Jerry San Pedro, Jesse Sauceda, Jaime Sauceda, and Vicente Schuermann. Having the distinguished honor to serve as an honorary pallbearer is Sol San Pedro.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all of the staff who assisted in the care of our beloved Israel at Valley Baptist Medical Center, Veranda Rehabilitation and Healthcare, and Windsor Atrium in Harlingen, Texas. We are deeply grateful for your dedication and compassion.
Contributions in Israel's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a nonprofit organization that Israel regularly supported, in lieu of flowers.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, TX.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1300 Combes St, San Benito, TX, with cremation to follow in accordance with his wishes. Israel will be buried at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito, Texas.
You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Israel "Moe" Castillo San Pedro at www.thomaegarza.com.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331