Francisco Castro

Rev. Dr. Francisco Castro, 79, passed away on September 15, 2019 in Tampa, FL. Francisco Castro was born on September 27, 1939 in Humacao, Puerto Rico to the late Francisco Castro Sr. and Justina Torres Rivera. He attended Futuros Agricultores de America in High School and the Colegio Teologico del Caribe, Asambleas de Dios in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Francisco Castro began pastoring a church in Stamford, Connecticut (John 3:16 church). Francisco Castro was then ordained by the General Counsel of the Assemblies of God in June,1967. He later pastored in Sylmar, California and in Ruskin, FL. In Sept. 23, 1973. Francisco founded the Light of the World Church (Iglesia La Luz Del Mundo) LDM, where he pastored for 40 years. Francisco Castro help built the sanctuary and the Educational building with his own two hands, and Church members. Francisco’s passion was missionary work. He would later to go on and build 37 churches in Honduras and 15 in Guatemala through the La Luz Del Mundo Missionary Department. He also financially assisted churches in El Salvador, Panama, Colombia, Cuba as well as other places. Francisco Castro received his Doctor of Divinity from the Spanish Eastern Bible Institute, Assemblies of God on September 26, 2003. Francisco Castro served for 18 years on the Hispanic Advisory Council for the Mayor in Tampa, FL. Upon his Retirement in 2013, Francisco Castro was presented the “Pastor Emeritus” of Light of the World Church (Iglesia La Luz Del Mundo). On December 8, 2013, The City of Tampa awarded Francisco Castro The Proclamation and proclaim “December 8, Rev. Francisco Castro Day” in the City of Tampa, by former Mayor Bob Buckhorn. Francisco’s hobbies included classic cars, baseball and travelling. Francisco Castro had such a love for his family, love for his church, the unique power of forgiveness but most of all, the love for Christ. Francisco Castro had such a devotion to the ministry. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Aida Iris Castro; sons Nathan Castro and Jonathan Castro; daughters Nedenia Cancel and Diana Mercado; grandchildren Nathan Joel Castro, Steven Castro, Ashlee Castro, Gilberto S. Mercado Jr., Amanda Nicole Mercado, Mya Castro, Mykala Castro, Adrian Chacon, and Dominick Chacon; three great grandsons Jaithan Castro-Layana, Novanni Castro-Layana, and Londyn Moore. Brothers: Luis Castro, Emilio Castro (Tampa, FL), Justino Castro (Humacao, Puerto Rico); Sisters: Aida Castro Perez (Humacao, Puerto Rico) and Susin Castro (Allentown, PA). A visitation and service will take place on Friday, September 27, 2019 from 6 to 9 PM at Iglesia Misionera, Asambleas De Dios, 10651 Anderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33624. Funeral services will then take place on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 10 AM at Light of the World Church (Iglesia La Luz Del Mundo) 2606 N. Mac Dill Ave. Tampa. with interment to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Tampa, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorials donations in Francisco's name can be made to:

FLORIDA MULTICULTURAL DISTRICT

830 California Woods Cir.

Orlando, FL 32824

Phone: (407) 850-9861

http://fmdag.org/contact/