Virgilio Villanueva Castelo

Virgilio Castelo was born on October 15, 1946 in Quezon City, Philippines to Vicente Castelo and Rosita Villanueva. He died peacefully at home on April 1, 2022. He was 75 years old.

Virgilio was raised in Boliano in the province of Pangasinan. He attended Cape Bolinao High School and graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila in 1969 with a B.S. in Architecture.

In 1973, he married Paciencia Tan of Pitogo, Philippines. The couple lived in Guam, New Jersey, and Michigan before moving to California and settling in the Los Angeles area. Along the way, they had three children: Vivian, Vergil and Valerie, who were fortunate to have their father's constant support in their academic, sports and extracurricular endeavors.

Virgilio had a strong and admirable work ethic. He was a licensed architect in the Philippines, New Jersey, Michigan and California. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and certified through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Through his work at various architecture firms, he contributed to projects including the Griffith Observatory Expansion, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science Expansion and Planetarium, the University of Notre Dame Center for the Performing Arts, California State University Fresno Henry Madden Library, the Los Angeles Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank, San Jose City Hall, the West Los Angeles Superior Courthouse Airport Branch, the Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse, and the Edmund D. Edelman Children's Court of Los Angeles County.

In his personal life, Virgilio enjoyed spending time with his family, sharing stories, watching NBA and NCAA basketball, and playing along with Jeopardy! He was a lifelong learner whose interests included world history and watercolor painting. In his retirement, he spent many hours outdoors tending to the beautiful garden he created at the family home.

Virgilio is survived by his wife of 48 years, Paciencia, and their three children: Vivian (Mark) Villoso of Yonkers; Vergil (Shara) Castelo of Los Angeles; and Valerie (Matt) Crampton of San Leandro. He was the beloved grandfather of Henry.

Virgilio was preceded in death by his eldest brother. He leaves behind two brothers and two sisters and their families, including many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews who remember him with love and kindness.

Funeral services will take place at Forest Lawn - Covina Hills. The viewing will take place from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday, May 13 with the funeral Mass and burial taking place on Saturday, May 14 at 9:30 a.m.