Alfredo "Fred" Castañeda Jr.

Alfredo “Fred” Castañeda Jr., 66, passed away Sunday, July 5th, 2026, at South Texas Health System - McAllen. 

Fred was born on August 4th, 1959 in Mercedes, Texas and was the eldest of seven children. He enjoyed baseball and was a little league pitcher as a youth. He graduated from Mercedes High School in 1977 and earned a Bachelor’s in Business from Pan American University, Edinburg, Texas in 1981 and worked for Pan American University for many years. Fred married Celia Martínez in 1995 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg, Texas. Their daughter, Laura, was his greatest pride and joy. For many years, Fred and his family spent Wednesday evenings with extended family enjoying time together in a variety of activities.

Fred was a devoted husband and father and he and his four brothers had a bond stronger than steel born of their love for family and one another. Though he was a man of few words, he is fondly remembered as perfectly timing the delivery of short, witty remarks. He exhibited a dapper appearance in public by normally wearing a sports coat with boots. His strong silent presence was like an unwavering oak especially when it came to his Catholic faith. Fred was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, his second home, in Edinburg and possessed a humble servant’s heart caring for his mother and mother-in-law in his home during their times of need. He was a Knight of Columbus and engaged in a number of ministries including Leader of the Rosary Makers, Altar Server for Masses and serving at funeral Masses. He took pride in serving at funeral Masses in service to the families. One of his greatest joys was making beautiful handcrafted rosaries which he gave to those needing comfort, hope, and encouragement. Fred spread devotion to Jesus through these rosaries of Our Blessed Mother. Fred lived his life according to the scripture passage “He must increase, but I must decrease” always pointing others to Christ.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Alfredo Castañeda Sr and Margarita Castro Castañeda. 

Mr. Castañeda is survived by the love of his life and wife of 31 years, Celia Martínez Castañeda; daughter, Laura Castañeda; six siblings: David Castañeda Sr., Sylvia (Jaime) Ochoa, Patsy (Pete) DeVillez, Gabriel (Celia) Castañeda, Carlo (Lynn) Castañeda, Deacon Richard “Ricky” Castañeda; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. with the recitation of the rosary at 6 pm on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E Canton Rd in Edinburg. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12 p.m. noon, Friday, July 10, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 114 W Fay St. in Edinburg.  Interment  will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 1701 E Richardson Rd in Edinburg. 

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg (www.memorialfuneral.com).