Emmanuel L. Castillo

The Castillo Family kindly asks that when attending any of the services, to please wear a white or yellow top with any choice of bottoms. By being present with his favorite colors, we honor his name.

Emmanuel Libang Castillo, age 64, was born March 26, 1958 and passed away on August 6, 2022. He was preceded by his mother, Felisa, his father, Carlito, his sister, Delia, and his brothers, Eduardo, Leopoldo, and Edwin.

Emmanuel was the eighth of ten children. “Boy” as he was known by all his friends, grew up in the Philippines in the town of Banjo West Tanauan Batangas. Growing up, he would always be in the kitchen with his mom. That is where he learned to cook the delicious meals he was well known for. In high school, he played basketball and was a military cadet.

He started college and secretly married the love of his life, Evelyn, before she left for the United States. She would later come back and they would have a real ceremony before God. Emmanuel and Evelyn’s love was like no other, they were inseparable and made their love visible by regularly matching outfits. Together, they had seven children: Ladylane, Audrey, Marinel, Cristian, Arabelle, Richmond, and Brooklyn - also known as “LAMCARB.”

A proud father, he shared his children’s milestones and achievements far and wide with family and friends. Being of service to his family was Emmanuel’s love language - whether it was providing bounties of freshly prepared food, cleaning cars, mowing lawns, doing pick ups/drop offs (the list goes on…) - he was always there and could be counted on.

The love for his family extended to his grandchildren. Even on his last day on Earth he brought two of his grandchildren, EJ and Manny, to spend time with their cousins - Luie and Janel - in Blackwood, New Jersey. When they got there, he spent most of the afternoon planting seedlings with his son-in-law. To his surprise, that evening two more of his seven grandchildren, Damien and Ema, arrived with their parents. Emmanuel and his family enjoyed a family dinner and spent the rest of the night talking, laughing, and singing karaoke at home. Right before the night was over, his eldest daughter arrived with his eldest granddaughter, Elane, for the final, unexpected visit. He acknowledged the unplanned gathering by sending a group text to the family saying, "Nabuo ang Gangs"or in English, "The Gang is complete." Family was the most important aspect of Emmanuel's life, and during his last hours in this world, he was able to enjoy it with his most beloved.

In the future, Emmanuel was looking forward to becoming an American citizen and completing the construction of a house in the Philippines for his family to feel at home in the town where he grew up.

Emmanuel will be missed by those surviving him: his wife, his children, his in-laws, his grandchildren, his siblings (Romolo, Josefino, Edna, Lorna, and Loreto), his many extended family members, his grand dogs, and all of those whose lives he touched. Emmanuel will be cremated, and his ashes will be laid to rest where family and friends can sit and remember his warm smile and infectious laugh.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Rice is Life” in Emmanuel’s name. The funds will go directly towards purchasing rice, canned foods, and live chickens for less fortunate families in the Philippines.

A visitation for Emmanuel will be held Sunday, August 14, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083.

A visitation will occur Monday, August 15, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 1500 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083.

A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 10:15 AM at Holy Spirit Church, 971 Suburban Road, Union, NJ 07083.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McCrackenFuneralHome.com for the Castillo family.