Rey was born on February 2, 1940 in Bacarra, Philippines to his late parents Emilio Castillo and Remedios Daguio Castillo. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, God-father and friend to all.
Rey attended Northwestern University in Loaog, Philippines for Civil Engineering. He joined the United States Navy in 1961 and proudly served for 27 years in active duty and another 10 years in civil service. He retired as Chief Petty Officer (E-7). During his years in active duty, he traveled the world on board the USS R.H. McCard (DD-822), USS America (CVA-66), and the USS Nimitz (CVN-68). He would tell stories of his time during the Vietnam War, being selected on a team to receive and serve Menachem Begin, Prime Minister of Israel, and his excursions in different parts of the world.
He met the love of his life, Elena “Ellen” Marquez Castillo, through mutual friends in the early parts of his military career. They were married in 1966 and had a wonderful, full 56 years together. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emilio and Remedios Castillo, and his son-in-law, Dr. Ryan Cahoon. Rey is survived by his loving wife, Elena, daughter Elaine Castillo Nguyen and son-in-law Dai Nguyen, daughter Remy Castillo Jornales and son-in-law Gene Jornales, daughter Dr. Emily Castillo Cahoon, six grandchildren: Rae Nguyen, Rena Jornales, Chloe Jornales, Tessa Jornales, Riley Cahoon and Raelyn Cahoon, and his siblings Leticia Robles, Ofelia Mangaliman, Emy Castillo, Bella Torda and Evelyn Velasco.
A wake service for Onofre will be held Friday, March 31, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23502.
A funeral mass will occur Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7800 Halprin Dr, Norfolk, VA 23518.
An entombment with full Naval Military Honors will occur Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502.
A reception will be held at 1:30 - 3:30 PM at St. Pius X Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to St. Pius X Catholic Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com for the Castillo family.
