Avelino Salvador Castelino
Visitation
Friday, June 23, 2023
10:30 - 10:50 AM
St. Mary's Parish
5251 Joyce Street, Vancouver, BC
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Funeral Mass
Friday, June 23, 2023
11:00 AM
St. Mary's Parish
5251 Joyce Street, Vancouver, BC
See on Google Maps
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Obituary
Obituary for Avelino Salvador Castelino
August 27, 1939 – June 9, 2023
Avelino Salvador Castelino passed away peacefully on June 9, 2023 in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada at the age of 83. Known as “Sonny” to his family and friends, he was born in Mazagaon, Mumbai, India to Thomas and Julia Castelino on August 27, 1939. He was one of 5 children.
Sonny grew up in Mazagaon where he went to school as a young boy loving sports. At age 19, he lost his mother, and decided to skip college in pursuit of work to help support his younger siblings. He went on to work for Guest Keen Williams, an engineering firm, for 36 years until he voluntarily retired at the age of 56.
Sonny was predeceased by his wife Regina (Rodrigues) Castelino, and survived by his daughters, Karen Castelino, and her husband, Peter D’Lima and Cherie (Castelino) Scott, and her husband, Guy Scott. He was the proud grandfather to Sophia and Justus, Scott who reside in Boothbay, Maine.
Sonny adored his wife, Regina. They married in 1974, at St. Anne’s Church, went on to have two girls and built their home in Bandra, Mumbai, directly across from St. Theresa’s Church. He often said he could do anything if he had her by his side. And he did, for a solid 44 years of marriage. As she worked for Cathay Pacific Airways, the family travelled at every opportunity and these were some of the most cherished memories for Sonny.
Sonny was known for his dedicated fitness and faith regimen. For decades, without fail, he would wake up at 4:30a.m. to get in a full workout on his Bullworker, before attending the 6a.m. mass. He would then endure a hectic 2-hour commute to and from Guest Keen Williams no matter what the weather. Upon his return he would buy a variety of Indian snacks to treat his girls. He was known to sit in silence as he savored a steaming hot cup of chai, read the newspaper, and then attend a second mass with the family at 7pm. A devout Catholic, Sonny placed a priority on starting and ending each day giving thanks to God and praying the family rosary.
In 1995, Sonny, 56 and Regina 47, made the decision to emigrate to Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada with their two daughters. They sold everything they owned in their names and started over from scratch. It was not an easy transition, but they never lost focus of why they made the difficult journey. They knew the goal was to ensure their two girls had every opportunity to shape their respective futures. They were “possibility thinkers” and never missed a single Robert Schuller’s Hour of Power service on Sunday mornings.
Sonny was a gifted mathematician and often made calculations in his mind with lightning speed intimidating many a professional banker. He also thrived on bargaining for the best deal. He was a frugal man who knew the value of every penny earned.
At the age of 60, he and Regina bought a beautiful condominium in Burnaby with a panoramic view of the mountains and ocean. They were so proud of their first home in Canada. His goal was to be mortgage-free, and working incredibly hard together, they paid off a 30-year mortgage in 5 years!
In 2022, having survived the pandemic despite all odds, he was overjoyed to walk his daughter Karen down the aisle. He gained another son-in-law in Peter, relishing the tasty Goan fish curries made especially for him, and a furry friend in goldendoodle, Cody-boy. Cody knew that treats from Sonny-boy were something he could always count on.
Sonny was incredibly proud of his only granddaughter, Sophia, who often wrote him poems, letters and original music that made his heart swell with pride. He loved his only grandson, Justus, (who inherited his wife, Regina’s, deep dimples) and who also shared in his love and talent for numbers. He looked back fondly on his summer visits to Maine. He enjoyed chatting with Guy, who taught him to love football and to only cheer for the Eagles and the many times he serenaded him for birthdays with lively renditions of Happy Birthday which he appreciated from the cockles of his heart!
Sonny is survived by his sisters, Clare Castelino and Anita (Nevis) D'Sa. He is predeceased by his younger brother Joseph Castelino and his sister Antoinette (Henry) Pereira and brother-in-law Phillip (Merlyn) Rodrigues. He is survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruby, and Joe Martyris. He is survived by nephews Neil and Edward D’sa, Rachel (Norman) Menezes, Lynette (Walter) Dias, Gerard Martyris, Ashley (Ancilla) Pereira, Ian and Pearl Rodrigues. Sonny was a longtime parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish, Vancouver. His funeral service will take place on Friday, June 23, 2023 at St. Mary’s Church, 5251 Joyce Street, Vancouver, BC. A viewing will be held at 10:30a.m. followed by Mass at 11am, with celebrant Fr. Joseph D’souza.
Sonny was so deeply touched by the care and concern that his neighbors and friends showered on him in his final days. Most especially, he was deeply grateful to his daughter Karen who looked after his every need with the utmost dedication and loving kindness and to Peter, who joined Karen in his care in the past year.
Memorial Donations
Sonny believed in an excellent education and was a strong supporter of various charities. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Don Bosco’s Canada in his honour.
Memorial Card
Memorial Tribute
Condolence Messages