Richard Robert Castillo,MD

Dr. Richard Robert (Bob) Castillo, born Monday, March 11, 1929 in Belen, NM, passed peacefully in his sleep Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Albuquerque, NM. In between, he had a most remarkable life, as a sibling, student, husband, surgeon, inventor, parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent. His memory, like his life, will always be a blessing.

The eldest son of Mary M. Davis and Richard C. Castillo, he grew up in Belen with his siblings Leonard (Chico), Leo, and Gloria, and a large extended family. He would go on to school at New Mexico Military Institute with his brothers, then on to UNM for undergrad, and finally medical school at Creighton University. In medical school at Creighton, he would meet Ruthella Spencer, a nurse, and they would go on to spend the next 68 years together and raise five children together. After a year as a medical intern in Buffalo, NY, surgical residency in Albuquerque, and military service in Puerto Rico, Bob and Ruthella settled down in Albuquerque.

In Albuquerque, Bob practiced as a general surgeon in private practice with ties to Presbyterian and St. Joseph Hospitals. He took great joy in the practice of medicine. He would go on to be one of the country's earliest laparoscopic surgeons with his work resulting in papers, inventions, and a patent. He kept a display of gallstones in his office, considering each a victory. Being greeted by former patients and their families while out and about was a frequent occurrence. Seeing his impact, all three of his sons would go on to practice medicine as well.

Even outside the hospital, Bob was an exemplar of, and advocate for, health. He played racquetball several times a week at Duke's, resulting in being a national racquetball champion at the age of 91. He also skied once, golfed, fished, and hunted - introducing his children and grandchildren to the activities he loved. Bob would famously approach anyone smoking and tell them to quit - even when his grandchildren were certain that the news would not be received well by the gentleman on the motorcycle who could easily deadlift Bob. In retirement, he would go on to volunteer as an educator and a docent at local museums and help start a discussion group for retired doctors just to continue his involvement in medicine and give of himself.

Bob and Ruthella held family dear. Bob was preceded in death by the only love of his life, Ruthella Spencer; his parents and siblings; and three of their children Kathryn Castillo-Mangold, Mary Castillo-Scullin, Dr. Richard N. Castillo, as well as daughter-in-law Joan Bento Castillo (Richard). He is survived by his sons Dr. Michael Castillo and Dr. Charles Castillo of Phoenix, AZ; sons and daughters in-law William Scullin (Mary) of Baton Rouge, Deb Conlon (Richard) of Albuquerque, Dr. Chris Mangold (Kathy) of El Paso, Terri Galles Bryan (Charles), and Annette Burwinkle (Michael). 

Bob took special delight in his grandchildren - and beating them in healthy competition: by Mary and William Scullin: William Scullin, Dr. Chessa Scullin (Dr. William Matthews), James Scullin (Desiree Miller-Scullin), and Matthew Scullin; by Kathryn and Christopher Mangold: Dr. Robert Mangold (Kelly Gallagher), Dr. James Ryan Mangold (Carly Westfall), Melissa Cardenas (Chase Cardenas), and Dr. Ani Mangold; by Rick and the late Joan Bento: Emily Castillo and Jenna Castillo (Christopher Villani); by Charles Castillo and Jane Sawey: James Castillo and Ali Castillo; by Michael and Annette Burwinkle: Stephanie Castillo, Nicholas Castillo (Lauren Donnelly), and Kyle Castillo. Bob was also amazed by his great-grandchildren: from Robert and Kelli Mangold: Spencer, Carson, and Brody; from Ryan Mangold: Makayla; from Nicholas and Lauren Castillo: Damien and Logan; from Chessa Scullin and William Matthews: Mary, Annie, and Liam; from Melissa and Chase Carenas: Crue. They all will remember him lovingly, unless they remember games of backgammon, poker, Monopoly, Mario Kart, or dibble dabble - in which he showed no mercy.

The family invites you to join them to honor Dr. Castillo, their father, grandfather, and great-grandfather at a Rosary Service at French- Wyoming, on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM and Catholic Mass at Risen Savior  Church on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 12:00 PM (noon). There will be a graveside service after mass at Sunset Memorial Park. Lastly, there will be a cold lunch celebration of the Castillo Family at 5604 Cometa Pl NE.