Anthony Joseph Casillas

Anthony (Tony) Joseph Casillas was born in Toledo, Ohio on November 14, 1945 to Joanne Vigil Garcia Alfaro. He was adopted and lovingly raised by his dad and mom, Marcelino and Frances Casillas. Tony is survived by his children Carrie and Jake Casillas, his sisters Stephanie and Nora Casillas, and his dog Gordie. He is also survived by his siblings he discovered and met later in life, Jack Gomez, Joni Serrano, Frances Urbina, Edward Garcia, Gina Kusz and Angela Majors.

Tony received his Master’s degree from Cal State Hayward, which led to a successful career as a Middle School and High School Counselor in California and Utah.

Tony’s other title in life was Coach, mainly of Long Distance running and Cross Country. His career began in 1970 at Canyon High School in Castro Valley, CA and finished with the East Bay Grease Team in Salt Lake City in 2025.

Tony was also a formidable athlete in his own right. He was a hard working and gifted runner. He was consistently one of the best distance runners for South City High, San Mateo City College and Cal State Hayward, with a personal best mile clocked at 4 minutes 10 seconds.

Tony had a passion for music, concerts, movies, books, practical jokes, being silly, singing off key, “dancing” and telling imaginative stories. One of his best concert memories was seeing the Beatles at the Cow Palace in the 60’s.

Tony was a father, brother, son, cousin, mentor, counselor, coach and friend. His legacy will live on. Long may you run!

Information about the celebration(s) of life will be shared by the family at a later time.