Modesto del Castillo

Originally from Socorro, New Mexico, Modesto received his Masters of Science Degree from the University of New Mexico in 1966.

A scholar of bats (his family called him the original “Batman”). He was recruited by James Owen, the then President of Elizabethtown Community College to establish programs in Biology and Microbiology. For 40 years, “Professor Del”, as he was known, taught thousands of students who went on to successful medical careers. Any visit to the hospital or a doctor’s office couldn’t go by without someone stopping mid-examination to say “Wait, you were my professor!” He touched and influenced so many students’ lives. Even on his last day on Earth, a former student (a pharmacist now) expressed his great admiration and appreciation for one of the best professors he ever had.

His passions included world travel, summer evenings on the pavilion with a cigar, and writing software for biology tutorials. He was also an avid snow skier and fencing enthusiast. To his family and close friends, he was known to be outright funny and charming. He instilled the value of hard work and resilience in both his students and children.

He is survived by his wife, Lee Ann del Castillo; his son Edwardo Hamid del Castillo; his daughter Medina Del Castillo Fredericks; his five beloved grandchildren, Liam del Castillo, Adelina del Castillo, Astor Fredericks, Alessandra Fredericks and Arman Fredericks.

He was a powerhouse of inspiration and will be deeply mourned and missed by his family, friends and former students.

A celebration of life will is from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, September 22, at Brown Funeral Home in Elizabethtown.