MEMORIAL RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE LIVES OF JOSE AND MAGDALENA CASTILLEJA
WHEREAS, Jose Castilleja and Magdalena Castilleja, long time husband and wife, passed away days apart on January 30, 2022 and February 3, 2022, respectively; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of Jose and Magdalena Castilleja's passing by the Honorable Michael D. Rodriguez, Alderman of the 22nd Ward; and
WHEREAS, Jose and Magdalena were parents to Gabriel "Papo", Juan "Prieto" (Julia), Jose "Meme" (Jeanette), and Magdalena Sofia (Lucio) Marin, grandparents to Griselda "Lala," Anthony, and Sophia Castilleja, and Hannah and Madeline Marin, and great-grandparents to Julianna Castilleja; and
WHEREAS, Jose and Magdalena were both originally from Monterrey, Mexico and moved to Little Village in the early 1970s where they operated multiple businesses in Little Village including a hardware store in the heart of the neighborhood called El Tornillo - a center for all of Little Village resident's home improvement needs for 20 years; and
WHEREAS, Jose "Maestro Pepe" affectionately greeted his customers at El Tornillo Hardware with his genuine smile wearing a flannel shirt, Dickie pants, along with his keys and Stanley measuring tape hanging to his side hip and Floresheim shoes with his charismatic personality always figuring out a solution to your DIY project, from plumbing to carpentry, and even making house calls; and
WHEREAS, Magdalena, lovingly known as Magda, added her own style to the hardware store, setting up an ice cream shop in the front, and selling beautiful flowers in the spring; and
WHEREAS, The Castilleja's time in Little Village coincided with the rapid growth of the neighborhood as a center of commerce forthe Mexican American community; known as the "Mexico ofthe Midwest" many businesses in the area have a touch of Maestro Pepe in them because he helped remodel, expand, maintain, and patronize so many of them; and
WHEREAS, Magdalena and Jose were active in the community; Magdalena hosted and attended parties and events where her personality dazzled and her laugh radiated throughout every room, and Jose was the Treasurer ofthe Little Village Chamber of Commerce and received several recognitions including one for outstanding community service; and
WHEREAS, Jose will be remembered for his infectious laugh, his attention to customer service and impeccable work ethic but most importantly, for instilling his values into his children who share his qualities, recognize all his efforts, and continue to strive to make their father proud; Magdalena will be remembered for her sparkling personality, caring heart, and loving smile, but most importantly for teaching what dedication and loyalty look like in practice, and her legacy will live on in her children who will remember her teachings and strive to continue her example of generosity; and
WHEREAS, Jose and Madgalena's personalities, knowledge, leadership, and compassion will be missed by their family, neighbors, and community; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this twenty-third day of February, 2022, do hereby extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jose and Magdalena Castilleja; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Jose and Magdalena Castilleja as a sign of our honor and respect.
ICHAEL D. RODRIGUEZ Alderman, 22nd Ward