With immense fatherly compassion, God has called his beloved child, Roberto F. Castillo, home to himself on Friday 26 September 2025 to take a place of honor at the eternal wedding banquet of his Son. Robert/Bob/Ruben/Ben/Bert/dad/papa/grandpa/lolo/uncle goes to join his parents Claudia and Santiago Sr.; siblings Carlos Sr. & wife Ligaya; Milagros Rivera & husband Joseph; and many relatives and friends who have gone ahead of him in faith. He celebrated 93 years just 12 days before.
He is survived by his loving wife, Flor Castillo, of 68 years; their children: Fr. Rene, Rudi (Carol), Fina Lania (Bob), Fr. Rolo, Raul (Jing), Rony, and Ricky; grandchildren Karissa Reyes (Jonathan), Justin (Bebe), Matthew (Erica), Lisa, Nathan Lania (Leina), Ian Lania, and Claudia; great-grandchildren: Kaylin, Kyla, and Allison; his siblings: Erlinda Lazo (Andy), and Sonny (Sue); and many nieces and nephews.
Dad worked as a mainframe computer operator with the Social Security System (Philippines) for many years before moving to Virginia. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church for 40 years, having served with mom as Ministers of Holy Communion, and actively participated in the Knights of Columbus, the Men’s Club, and the Sunshine Club. Dad was a resourceful chef, vegetable gardener, all-around handyman, an avid fan of sports and action films, and of the music of his generation: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, and Bing Crosby, and dabbled with Elvis Presley, and the Beatles on occasion. He enjoyed celebrating life’s blessings and spending quality time with family and friends, even traveling back to the Philippines and all across the country a number of times.
We are grateful for the wonderful service of the nurses of Trinity Hospice, mom and dad’s home health companions Carl and Monique, and the kindness of Fr. Anthony Mpungu and the many pastors, parish staff, and people of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, along with Bishop Knestout and many priests and deacons of the Richmond Diocese who have offered prayer and spiritual support.
We offer a funeral mass on Thursday 9 October at 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The family will welcome guests and visitors at 10:00 AM. Join us in giving thanks for the goodness of God that we were blessed to share for many years. We are sad for a while, but we know we have gained an advocate before God’s throne where he awaits us when it comes our turn to go.
