I loved Mrs. Castillo she showed me what was great about the violin she was a great teacher My favorite 

I took viola lessons with Mrs. Castillo from when I was in elementary school until I graduated from high school in 2015.  I haven't seen her in a few years and am just now hearing of her passing, and I'm heartbroken. She was such a kind and wonderful woman. She was so supportive of all of her students and always went above and beyond for us by coming to all of our concerts and recitals. Future generations of little musicians are missing out on an incredible teacher and mentor. I may not play music anymore, but I am certainly a better person for having known her. I will keep my fond memories of Mrs. Castillo close to my heart for the rest of my life.

Ms. Castillo was my violin teacher from middle school all through high school and words cannot express how much she helped me grow as a violinist. Her nurturing patience was always a comfort. She came to so many of our concerts and to all of our NYSSMA solos over the years. She was such a kind person and her love for music and teaching music shined through, alongside her talented family. Thank you for everything, Ms. Castillo, you will be missed dearly.

I was so sad to hear about the passing of Mrs. Castillo.  She was my violin and orchestra teacher at Abbey Lane from 69 to 74! Such a kind sweet lady, taught me to read and love music I might never have heard! Will always remember our “6th grd group” doing the theme to Mission Impossible ! She always brought out the best in us! I hope her family knows there are generations of Levittowners that are sad she is gone but grateful to have known her! Sleep in heavenly peace sweet lady... ✌🏻💖🎶

Jill was my music teacher starting in 1976, when I was in 3rd grade, Wisdom Lane school. I originally wanted to play violin, but when I heard Jill make a cello sing, I was sold! I am very blessed to have known Jill as a teacher first, then friend forever after. 

Mrs. Castillo was my private violin teacher for years. She was always so kind, patient and never made me feel bad if I didn’t practice !!! I always enjoyed my time with her and learned a lot from her. She was a wonderful teacher and person. I am so sorry to hear this and am thinking about her family.  This is a profound loss for so many people who she taught and knew ! 

Mrs Castillo and Matthew at his graduation from Northside Elementary 2019

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Castillo.  The world will have a little less music, a little less sunshine without her.  Mrs. Castillo gave private lessons to my son and helped to nurture his love of music which he still has today.  I know she touched many many lives and her wonderful spirit and love of music will live on in those she taught and those they share it with.  May she sing with the angels.

You were always an inspiration to me. Not only a teacher, but a role model & a friend. I spent everyday with you in school. It was truly the best times and my favorite times of the day, we would laugh and joke & then we would get serious & start to work on music. Sending me off to NSYMMA & LISFA and guiding me all the way through my nerves before performing & showed me that perseverance & patience is key, not only to music, but to life. You have taught me so much throughout the 4 years that I had the honor to work with you. You truly showed me my love for music. I used to eat lunch in the music room with you everyday & we used to practice my NYSMMA solo every Friday at 1:30 so I would finally get the “outstanding” medal. We waited anxiously for the results, & thanks to you I received that medal & many awards, that I cannot thank anyone else but you for. It was truly an honor to work & to know you. I was so excited to be able to have you as my music teacher & we made an instant connection. Every time I look at your note in my yearbook I smile and look back on all of the times we shared. You taught me so much that I will carry with me forever. You will always hold a very special place in my heart Mrs. Castillo. Rest easy❤️❤️

Mrs. Castillo was so patient and kind. She could move mountains when it came time to scheduling lessons for students. She touched the lives of so many people.
           Since all of her lessons took place downstairs, it was always so refreshing to see her smiling  face when she emerged from  the basement.
          Rest In Peace.  Your memory will forever remain in our hearts.

I remember every week when you used your come to my home to give Christine and Barbara private music lessons. Also all the concerts you played in. Our sympathies to all of your family.

Mrs. Castillo was the best private music teacher ever. She helped me improve my skills playing the viola and was extremely kind and patient.  I've always enjoyed having lessons with her, we would have very nice conversations and I always felt relaxed. She introduced me to many interesting pieces of music which I am grateful for. I will not forget what positive things she has done for my life. May she rest in peace.

During my earliest years as a music student at Wisdom Lane in Levittown, Mrs. Castillo recruited me as the only tuba player in the school into her string orchestra. She had a wonderful disposition and the patience of a saint. Although over 40 years have past, I still have fond memories of my time with her.  RIP and deepest condolences to her family during this trying time. 

Mrs. Castillo introduced my daughter to the string bass and instilled a love of playing an instrument. She encouraged and pushed and celebrated every challenge. My son then started playing the drums and he too found so much joy in starting an instrument. When celebrating Mrs. Castillo at last years concert it was evident that she has touched so many lives and her passion for music and music education is immeasurable and I am so grateful my children shared that joy with her and because of her. 

Mrs. Castillo introduced  me to the violin as a 3rd grader at Abbey Lane School. She was a kind, soft spoken woman, with the patience of a saint.  I have fond memories of being in the elementary school orchestra and of taking summer music lessons with her. She left a positive mark on so many lives, I’m sure. May she Rest In Peace.

Mrs. Castillo implanted a deep love for music in my children.  She coached my youngest daughter through NYSSMA for years and would show up and wait outside to see how she did every time.  Shae loved the lessons in her home and time they shared.    Mrs. Castillo was an unbelievable and unforgettable teacher.  Her love for children and music was displayed each day.   She made every child feel special.  She will truly be missed.  
My condolences to the family.   
Jill Castillo, may you continue playing music with the angels.  May you rest in peace.  

Jill was my mentor and friend.  She was an amazing teacher and friend.  Growing up, I knew Jill as my friend’s private teacher, always seeing her at concerts and in the Nyssma hallway.  She always had a smile on her face and kind words to share.  When I became a string teacher myself, Jill helped me tremendously by sharing her knowledge and resources with me.  I spent many afternoons at her house chatting with her about music, teaching and just life in general.  She always made time for me and I feel blessed to have had her as my friend.  I am deeply saddened by her loss and will miss her immensely.  My condolences to the Castillo family.           

Ms. Castillo was the person that first introduced me to playing an instrument. I remember the day when our elementary class met with her in the cafeteria with a large assortment of instruments, and she spoke about and played each one to showcase what made them all special and played memorable melodies on each of them. I picked the french horn, and while it's no longer an instrument I play, I adored my time through school with it. An adoration she expertly nurtured and even continued to nurture when she invited alumni to join in one of the school's concerts. I went on to earn a degree in Music Composition and can undoubtedly state her early influence as a reason why that eventually came to be. I'm so grateful I had someone like her not only show me music but show me how fulfilling a passion for it can be!

Mrs. Castillo instilled a deep love for music and the violin that I will carry with me always. Her passion for music was so contagious. Whether it was chamber orchestra lessons in the Northside basement or private lessons in her home, Mrs. Castillo always encouraged me to give music my all. Her unrelenting support and care never went unnoticed. May she rest peacefully. 

My son took summer band at Wisdom Lane under your direction. Your love for children and music was displayed each and every day by your welcoming smile and words. You did an amazing job in such a short amount of time. You were an asset to this community and will truly be missed. My condolences to your family! May you continue playing music amongst the angel!!!

I was so sad to hear about the passing of Mrs. Castillo. I will never forget flute lessons in her tiny office in the basement of Northside across from the cafeteria, or early morning Band and Orchestra rehearsals! She made me love the flute and realize how important it was to have music in your life. I will never forget the teacher that Mrs. Castillo was and I hope she is playing music with the angels in heaven!

So saddened to hear of the loss of Mrs. Castillo. She taught both of my daughters to play instruments and even supported Jianna when she decided in 4th grade to switch instruments. Beyond teaching music, Mrs. Castillo also spent countless hours taking photos of different school events, often having nothing to do with music- because she loved Northside. She would routinely send photos and stories about students and events to local papers bragging about her school. She had such a quiet way of making you laugh even on some really rough days. She was one of those people who had found her calling. May she Rest In Peace knowing she filled the world with the music of thousands of students from Levittown.  💔💙💛💙💔

I am blessed to have been able to work will Jill for 30 years. She was not only a colleague, but a dear friend. I am fortunate enough to have had Jill and Carlos at my wedding and to have had Jill know my daughters. Jill was the type of person who always put others before herself. I will forever think of Jill every time I look at my Christmas tree. Every year since the day each of my daughters were born, she bought them a personalized ornament that represented something special in their life that year.  Thank you Jill for this wonderful memory. 

     As I sit here with tears streaming down my face reading the beautiful tributes to my friend and colleague for 21 years, I can’t help but recall all of the memories that we shared over the years. She was such a special person.  Her personal Christmas and birthday cards to me always had an eloquent and heartfelt note inside. We shared our personal  joys and sorrows over the years and I was happy to call her my friend. I will miss her terribly but I know that Heaven gained an angel. My condolences to her husband Carlos, sons Ron, Doug and Mike, her daughters in law and grandchildren. May she Rest In Peace. 

Mrs. Jill  Castillo was my one of my first instrumental music teachers. In 1976, I took flute lessons in a summer school program (I had been playing the clarinet), and never looked back. She encouraged me from then on, in so many ways to pursue this instrument, and my love of the flute just took off.  She even helped me find a great deal on a brand new flute, silver head, for $300 !! (That would be unheard of nowadays !)  I still play that same flute today.     She always had kind words for her students, that made them feel as if the sky was the limit. I consider myself so blessed to have had her as a teacher in school.      Last year, when I heard she was retiring, I reached out to her by sending a card & note, and she responded in kind. I was surprised she remembered me; but she did, and sent me a nice note & Christmas card.  I will treasure it always.    The world won't be the same without her.   My heartfelt condolences to her family & friends~

Having had Jill as a friend and colleague for 30 years, I am heartbroken.  Through the years, she always knew just the right thing to say during the toughest times, and could make you laugh in the midst of the challenging obstacles we face as teachers! Jill  loved her job and questioned her retirement 'till the very last day!  I am so saddened that she never got to fully relax and enjoy her retirement years.  She reached a standard of commitment to her craft that we should all aspire to attain.  Heaven has gained an amazing conductor for its string orchestra!

Jill Castillo was my  teacher till she had her first child. Fast forward till 15 years ago and I worked with her at  Northside school. She was such an amazing person. Her skill as a teacher was outstanding.  Hearing her play violin was a treat.  She could bring out emotions with her music.  She was soooo talented.  As second generation my daughter had her as private teacher also.  Jill left her mark on all of us and we morn her loss 

Jill and I were colleagues for 27 years. We would discuss our sons, our students and eventually our retirement. Throughout the years, I would see that she instilled in her students a love of music that they carried with them throughout their school years. She fought hard for time that was carved out of academic schedules. Fearlessly fighting for what she believed to be so important, the love of creating and making music. We will miss you Jill, but we know you are making music with the angels.

So sorry for your loss Mrs Castillo was all my daughters music teachers and was sweet  and kind and always always worked hard to teach music even to those who had no music ability she took my daughter to NYSMA and waiting outside was the sweetest thing 

We are very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Castillo was a genuine teacher who loved what she did. My daughter loved the lessons and time they shared. She would tell me all about it while smiling from ear to ear. May you rest musically 🎶💗

Mrs. Castillo taught me to play saxophone when I was in 3rd grade... I continued to play for years remembering everything she taught me. All through high school marching in the parades and joining marching band in high school playing the sax... I always looked up to her and whenever I saw her in the parades I always needed to go up and say hi to her... my daughter now is in 2nd grade but my heart was so full when my daughter started attending northside and seeing Mrs. Castillo still at the school. Up until last year when she left the school, I remember being so excited that my daughter would have the same chance as me having her possibly as her music teacher. I am so sad to hear of her passing. I am 33 years old and I will never ever forget the lasting impression she left on me. She called my house once when I was in band because I was missing a concert and told my parents “we can’t go on without her, make sure she gets here!” And my parents forced me to get ready and show up at the concert ... she taught me so much, she coached me through NYSSMA and pushed me when I didn’t think I was good enough. She pushed and supported me. She was an unbelievable and unforgettable teacher. 

Mrs. Castillo was an amazing music teacher and human being. She inspired my daughter's love of the viola, and my son's love of the cello. Ever so patiently she would meet with both of them to help them become better at playing, and indeed better as human beings. Now, she can help lead the Heavenly Band and Orchestra. RIP Mrs. Castillo from the Northside Classes of 2015 and 2019.

Mrs. Costillo tutored both of our kids and as a result, they both excelled in music. She was kind and patient.  They both loved her, and they cried when they learned of her passing, as did we. She was there to support them at their NYSMA performances and also attended the all county performances. Rest In Peace Mrs. Costillo. We will miss you. 

I’m so sorry to hear of Ms. Castillo’s passing.   My condolences to her family.  She was a very special woman who instilled the love of music in my son.  My son Alex Hager was lucky to have her teach him the Clarinet at Northside from 2015-2018. 


Jill was the most patient, kind, and caring teacher I ever had. She nurtured my love of all types of music, and was a wonderful teacher in the classroom and in private lessons as I studied string bass. Some of my best memories from school were spent in her class, and I often say that the greatest gift I ever got from the public school system in Levittown was a deep and wide appreciation for music due in large part to her. Prayers to her husband and sons, and may perpetual light shine upon Jill.  May she rest in peace.

My son, Matthew, had the privilege of having Mrs. Castillo as his cello teacher from the summer before 3rd grade and up through to her retirement.  She had so much patience and compassion for him. She helped him push through his obstacles and he is a better cello player because of her. I had so much gratitude for this beautiful person who shared her love for music and passed it along to my children.  My daughter started playing the  violin with Mrs. Castillo the summer before 3rd grade too. She is still playing now. To her family, I send you our deepest condolences. Know that her beautiful heart lives on through all the students who had the honor of knowing her.  Her smile and music continue  to play in their hearts. May she Rest In Peace. 

I’m so sad to hear of Jill’s passing. She was my violin teacher at Gardiners Avenue in the late 60’s.  I know she recently retired and my niece who was a teacher at Northside had shared a picture with her I still had from my first school concert. Deepest condolences to her family & all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

May Mrs. Castillo RIP.  To her family wishing you peace to bring comfort to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold up in your heart.  

She was an awesome teacher .  Our daughter, Michelle was blessed to have had her as a teacher.  

The Mortagua family.

I'm so heartbroken to hear.  My music teacher in the early 90s! And then later on, about 20 years ago we played together in Nassau Community Orchestra. She was so happy to see a student still playing years later. I was just thinking the other day how I wish I still played! Some day I will again.
Always remember you Mrs. Castillo ❤


I am so sad upon hearing of Jill's passing.  She was a talented musician and wonderful teacher.  I enjoyed working with Jill,  when I taught at Northside.  My sincere condolences to the entire Castillo family.


Jill was my musical angel. She taught so many of my orchestra students at Hicksville High School.  She gave up every Saturday and Sunday and many hours after school during the week for her private students while teaching full time and taking care of her talented family. She came to all of our concerts and recitals and never missed a NYSSMA festival that her students were in, waiting tirelessly in the hallways of local schools to support her students. Her teaching was meticulous and patient and she did it for her love of her students and music. I’m deeply shocked and saddened by her loss and I send my sincere condolences to to Carlos, Ron, Doug and Mike. I can never express what Jill meant to me.

All 3 of my children discovered their love of music under Ms. Castillo's patient guidance. I still have some of her  notes of encouragement about their progress. She truly nurtured the potential of each and every one of her students. To this day, my kids, who have all graduated, still pursue and have a passion for musical performance, and I am so proud to say that Ms. Castillo played a significant role in getting them started. Rest in peace, Ms. Castillo, and thank you for touching the lives of so many families, especially my own.♥️🎶

I moved to levittown and I was playing the violen... I wasn’t very good at it, but she passionately taught me how to get better. Now it’s my first year in middle school ( a year after she retired) I’m going to miss her because she was one of the nicest people I’ve ever known and I will never forget her. Now the only thing I should do is remember the nice and fun times I spent with her, and remember how great of a person she was.

Mrs. Castillo taught both of my children.  They both have been playing their instruments since. My son has a love of music that has translated into his musical pursuits in college, and he is a wonderful musician.  Our family  owes Mrs. Castillo  a debt of gratitude for starting them on the path of  joy through music! 

I met Mrs. Castillo during lessons in the summer before 3rd grade—I’m now in 10th grade. From the start, Mrs. Castillo was a warm, passionate, and welcoming person. Every lesson with her was something to look forward to. She was not only a mentor, someone who pushed me to be better and taught me everything I know about cello, but she was also someone to look up to. Someone to aspire to be. Mrs. Castillo had a great heart, and cared for each and every one of her students. She was kind and was always supportive of her students. I’m thankful I got the chance to be her student. I’ll miss her greatly, thank you for everything Mrs. Castillo. 

I couldn’t thank Mrs. Castillo more for putting me and all her students before herself. She has  helped me improve my Viola skills and is the reason I got into chamber orchestra and all county concert. Every lesson I went to, I always learned even more than I could’ve learned with an orchestra teacher. Even though Mrs. Castillo passed away, we can still remember her in spirit and honor the musician she was. We will miss your forever Mrs. Castillo!

Mrs. Castillo was the first person to teach me the cello. When I first started it I hated it. Mrs. Castillo showed me how fun it is. She got me into music. Now i play 6 different instruments all because of her. I would’ve never been into music. You will be missed Mrs. Castillo. 

I am heartbroken to hear of Mrs. Castillo's passing.   I was lucky to have had private violin lessons with her when I was in school, and my daughter enjoyed several years of lessons with her, as well.  My thoughts are with her husband and her sons.  We were all lucky to have had Mrs. Castillo in our lives and will always remember her.  

Jill Castillo was the cloest person I ever had to a mentor. Over the course of my entire high school career and even before that, she taught me how to play the cello. She was a kind and patient teacher who always encouraged me to practice and get better. But she didn‘t just teach me how to play an instrument, she has set up a foundation for my life that will stick with me throughout. Her encouragement and support pushed me to become more involved in high school string ensembles and to find a real sense of camaraderie in those I performed with. She has left me with the tools necessary to be able to bond with a team and push myself to be better. The impact that Jill left on my life will last a lifetime, and she will never be forgotten for it. My deepest condolences to her talented and wonderful family. 

~ Gunter Chow

Jill was as gentle a soul as there could ever be. I am so sad upon hearing of her passing.  We worked together as Music Teachers, she instrumental, me Choral/General, for 9 years in Levittown. During that time we became each other’s friend and sounding board. We shared many a laugh and wonderful memories. My sincere condolences to Carlos, Ron, Doug and Michael. We lost a good one. 

My daughter, received viola lessons from Jill for the past 5 years. She was always so patient and caring. We will greatly miss her and never forget her. Our deepest condolences to her family. Siobhan and Hannah

OBITUARY

Jill Castillo

October 6, 1945 – April 28, 2020

Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services