Francis Leonard Castillo

Francis Leonard Castillo passed away peacefully in the presence of family early on April 21, 2022. He was born on July 25, 1931 in Belen, NM. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Regina T. Castillo; his father, Ricardo C. Castillo; his mother, Mary D. Castillo-Kuhn, his sister Gloria C. Kadison; and his brother Lotario “Leo” Castillo. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Robert Castillo; his children Joseph Castillo and spouse Selina, Patricia Cornez and spouse Rick, Paula Castillo and spouse Terry Mulert, Richard Castillo and spouse Emily, and Mary Bueno. Francis is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Francis graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute in 1949, and attended the University of New Mexico for two years. He received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from Senator Dennis Chavez in 1951. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1955 and began pilot training in the U.S. Air Force. He subsequently spent two years in Samsun, Turkey assigned to intelligence operations. He became fluent in Turkish. Francis returned to the states and married his college sweetheart, Regina DeHardit, on November 16, 1957, and was then transferred to the Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Francis resigned his commission as a Lieutenant and moved to Belen, New Mexico to start his family and his business. Francis began in business with a Standard Oil service station that he operated on Main Street for four years. He and Regina built their home in Rosedale Circle, where they raised their five children. In 1963, Francis bought an 8-yard dump truck and a small tractor and began in the fill-dirt business. He and his father, Ricardo, also undertook building demolition work in Valencia County where Francis recycled brick and lumber. Francis began Castillo Sand & Gravel in 1965 with a 1931 screening plant that he rebuilt and erected in Vaquita. In 1975, Francis entered the cement ready-mix business alongside his sand and gravel business. He subsequently added concrete products, in particular cattle guards and concrete barriers. His son, Richard, a civil and structural engineer, joined him in business in 1991, who then took the company into large projects involving advanced concrete forms and pre-stressed concrete. Francis and Regina celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2007. They enjoyed traveling together to concrete trade shows and were rarely out of each other’s sight. Not only was he a loyal husband and loving father, but he will forever be remembered as a person who helped anyone in need. Intention Masses will be celebrated on Friday April 22, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, Sunday July 17, 2022 at 12:00 p.m., and Sunday July 24, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Interment times are to be announced at a later date. Please sign Francis’ online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM

Francis Leonard Castillo

July 25, 1931 - April 21, 2022