Vergil Castelo

Vergil Castelo was born on May 23, 1977 in Livingston, New Jersey to Virgilio Castelo and Paciencia Tan. He passed away after a short, unexpected illness on June 7, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. He was 47 years old. 

Vergil was raised in Walnut, California. He attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles and graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2001 with a B.A. in Graphic Design. He worked as a computer programmer focused on interactive 3D, augmented reality, and virtual reality platforms. 

In 2013, he met the love of his life, Shara Johnson. They married in 2017 in a beautiful and intimate ceremony in Las Vegas and later enjoyed a honeymoon in Jamaica where they spent their days snorkeling, exploring, and soaking up Caribbean culture. Vergil and Shara loved going to concerts, dancing, trying new restaurants, and snuggling on the couch. Together, they raised the handsomest chihuahua named Romeo.

Vergil was an artist. He sketched throughout his life and had journals filled with realistic and fantastical imagery. He loved music, especially hip hop, but he could also belt out tunes from a wide variety of genres. He was an avid skateboarder, who kicked and pushed his way under the glow of amber street lights in downtown L.A. He was a lifelong Lakers fan through the championships and the droughts. He lived and loved loudly. He was warm and generous. He brightened everyone’s days with his big smile and hearty laugh. 

Vergil is survived by his wife, Shara, his mother, Paciencia, and his two sisters: Vivian (Mark) Villoso and Valerie (Matt) Crampton. He was adored by his nephew Henry Crampton. He was preceded in death by his father, Virgilio Castelo, with whom he had a close relationship. He leaves behind a large extended family, countless friends, and a generation of nieces and nephews – by blood and friendship – who all love him dearly.

A viewing will take place on Wednesday, June 26 at 4 pm-8 pm at the Tribute Center at Forest Lawn - Covina Hills, 21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina, California. A funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, June 27 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church, 747 Meadow Pass Road, Walnut, California. This will be followed by a lunch reception. Vergil will be interred at Forest Lawn - Covina Hills during a private family ceremony at a later date.