LUIS ANTONIO CASTILLO was born to the late Ana Maria Cabezas Escobar and Fernando T. Castillo in Buenaventura, Colombia on September 29th, 1940 and was affectionately known as “Viejo Bongi”. He attended Escuela Pascual Guerrero in Buenaventura. His loves as a young child were music, sports and the love for his country and his people. However that all changed when he became a father to his children Walter, Claudineth (deceased) and Xiomara Castillo. They became his life. He worked hard to make sure they had all they needed. He was known in his barrio “El Jardin” as the child whisperer. Children would flock to him. He would take the children from the barrio on Sundays to the movies and to get ice cream. He played in the barrio’s soccer team with his brother Jorge. “Viejo Bongi" immigrated to the United States in 1984 leaving his children and siblings in hopes for a better future. This was bittersweet as he was able to reunite with his mother and sisters; Angela and Maria Eugenia who were already in the states. He met Maria Elena Castillo and were married in December of 1989 and lived in Roxbury for many years before moving with his wife to Dorchester. He worked for Boston Metal Products for over 25 years before retiring. We will always remember him for his infectious laugh and his love for life and music. His favorite past time was watching sports –especially soccer! He bled green for el Deportivo Cali. The most memorable, however was watching him dance. Music would light up his face even till the end. He had a special connection with each of his nieces and nephews. He was more of a second father than an uncle. Taking them on field trips to the pools, parks or just a casual walk to the corner store to get ice cream. He always had a few dollars for them as well. Luis Antonio Castillo Cabezas leaves behind a legacy of a wife, Maria Elena Castillo. His children Walter Castillo, Claudineth Castillo (deceased) and Xiomara Castillo de Paredes. Son-in-law Fernando Paredes. Granddaughter Andrea Paredes and great-grandson. He also leaves his beloved siblings Edilma Castillo, Jose Castillo, Angela Tyree Vivas, Maria Suazo Vivas, Felipe Vivas, Jorge Vivas (deceased) and Simon Lemos. He is also survived by his loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He lived a life full of love and laughter. We will miss you “Viejo Bongi”.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Fubruary, 21, 2023, in St. Marks Church, 1725 Dorchester Avenue, Dorhester, MA at 10 oclock. Visiting Hour 9-10am at the church. Interment Fairview Cemetery, Boston.