Delfin Mondero Castro

“Fin” or “Kuya Delfin”, as he was affectionately called, was a loving husband to his wife, Erlinda S. Castro (deceased) and a devoted father to: Dr. Joseph S. Castro and Ann Castro (spouse); Danilo S. Castro and Geraldine Castro (spouse); Jennifer C. Hines and William Hines (spouse); and his youngest son, Camilo "Bert" S. Castro. He was also a cherished Grandpa or “Lolo” to his grandchildren: Dean Castro, Daisy Castro, Ethan Hines, and Logan Hines.

Delfin was born in Pangasinan, Philippines to Hon. Santiago and Leonila Castro. He was one of four children: his two elder brothers (both deceased), Jose Castro and Antonio Castro, and his beloved youngest sister, Ofelia Serranzana.

Delfin was a diligent student who achieved the honor of Valedictorian at his high school in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. He graduated from the School of Law at the University of the Philippines in Manila, and worked at one of the prestigious law firms in Manila, until he left to pursue a career with the Philippine government’s Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). From there, he was given a golden opportunity to come to the U.S. as a diplomat at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. And, after leaving the Embassy in 1981, he ventured into his legal profession, specializing in Immigration and Tax Law.

Throughout his life, two things remained constant; his devotion to his Catholic faith and his family. His spiritual journey started at a very young age, accompanying his mother, “Lola Lilang”, to daily mass and continued through adulthood. Before Delfin’s health declined in 2011, he was a dedicated member of Opus Dei, DC Chapter. He emphasized the importance of prayer; and practiced and lived his faith in his professional and family life.

He was a great storyteller and public speaker. Whenever given the chance, he loved to tell a joke; the cornier, the better. It wasn’t clear which was funnier: the jokes or how animated he’d become telling (and repeating) his jokes, as his laughter was contagious. He attended parties and other cultural events with his wife, Linda, especially to get the chance to dance and enjoy the catered event. He was the original “Foodie” as he thoroughly loved to eat (and somehow stayed relatively fit)! He was a friendly guy, who at some point knew a friend, of a friend, and they’d say: “Oh, yeah, we know Attorney Castro” or “Oh, Delfin Castro is your dad?” He always had a friendly smile and literally could talk to anyone.

He was also an avid football watcher and fan; you could always count on him wearing his favorite winter jacket with the logo of the (former) Washington Redskins, regardless of whether the team had a winning season or not, usually the latter.

Most of all, he was wonderful Dad: patient, generous, supportive, and loving; he was his family’s “rock”. He had a light within him that seemed to make the World a little brighter. And now that he’s gone to be with The Lord, his presence will sorely be missed.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, February 17th, 2022 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Bowie, Maryland.

Flowers or donations may be sent directly to St. Pius X Catholic Church at 3300 Moreland Place Bowie, MD 20715. Alternatively, donations can also be made to support the American Heart Association at https://www2.heart.org/.