Pepe Manuel Castells, 62, passed away peacefully on the evening of June 1, 2025. Being diagnosed with gastric cancer, he fought valiantly through a multitude of complications. After stopping treatment, he spent his last few weeks in his beloved home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Born in Cincinnati, OH, January 24, 1963, Pepe was the fourth child of Carlos and Marijane Castells. When Pepe was young, the family moved to Arlington, VA, where Pepe would spend the majority of his childhood and early adulthood. After meeting and marrying his wife, Zsuzsanna, they moved to New Jersey for Pepe to pursue a mechanical engineering degree at NJIT.
After graduating, Pepe began his career and became a father to two daughters. He provided for his family through his passion for his work, his ability to fix anything, and his incredible desire to enjoy life. His positivity and "can do" attitude were unmatched, allowing him to tackle incredible challenges and make them look easy. Pepe was a devoted Catholic, known to wear his "Thank You Jesus" denim jacket and play worship music on his guitar. He took every opportunity to share his musical talents, especially when hosting.
Pepe leaves behind his wife, Zsuzsanna Satmari Castells; two adult children: Cayla Holmes (Garrett), Caytie Castells (Logan Moyer); and two grandchildren: Grace and Jack; father, Carlos Onofre Castells Sr.; siblings: Maria Elliott (John), Carlos O. Castells Jr (Sharon Hogan), Margarita Noyes; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews and their children.
In honor of Pepe, please consider making a donation to a charity that was very close to his heart, "Teen Challenge" https://teenchallengeusa.org/.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 10:00-11:30 am with a few speeches beginning at 11:30 am, at Ponte Vedra Valley: 4750 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082.
Pepe’s Funeral Mass will immediately follow that afternoon, Saturday, June 28, 2025, 1 pm, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church: 545 A1A N #545, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. The Graveside Service will follow the Funeral Mass back at Ponte Vedra Valley.
Pepe’s family invites all in attendance to join them for a Reception after the Graveside Service, also at Ponte Vedra Valley. Please visit the event page to RSVP https://www.mixily.com/event/3555646392257897725
