Richard N. Castillo

1956 - 2023

Richard N. Castillo, MD



It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, brother and son. Richard Castillo MD lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on February 25, 2023. He was born in 1956 to R. Robert Castillo MD. (survived by) and Ruthella Castillo (deceased). He is preceded in death by sisters, Mary Castillo Scullin, and Katherine Castillo Mangold. He is survived by his two brothers Michael Castillo MD, and Charles Castillo MD who live in Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by his brothers and sister-In-law: William Scullin, Chris Mangold, and Annette Castillo; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Rick grew up in Albuquerque where he made success look easy. He was an Eagle Scout, a Scholastics scholar at Albuquerque Academy, captain of the football team, and class president. He loved to fix up old cars where he tricked out the "Old Maverick" and got his Camaro running beautifully. Who knew that his love for fixing up cars would inspire him to also want to fix the human body someday?

He graduated from Stanford University and obtained his Medical Doctorate at UNM School of Medicine. He married Joan Bento Castillo and had two daughters, Emily Rose Castillo and Jenna Marie Castillo. They raised their girls in Albuquerque where he was an orthopedic spine surgeon at New Mexico Orthopedics. He passed along his love of photography to Emily and his love of building things to Jenna. Tragically, Joan died in a car accident in 2009. However, Rick found love again with Deborah Conlon, marrying in 2015. She brought Rick three more kids to include Abigail Conlon, Sydney Conlon, and Patrick Conlon. As a now blended family of seven they traveled, enjoyed holidays, and grew together in love.

Rick knew how to live life to the fullest. He enjoyed places from Mount Everest Base Camp to kayaking the entire Napoli coast. He always seemed to know how to find the best places to explore in the Southwest. He loved the wilderness. Although his passion was golf, he loved to bike, hike and fly fish as well. The most impressive thing about this man is his love and kindness for friends and family. His presence will be dearly missed.

The family will hold a viewing on Friday, March 10 from 2:30-4:30. The memorial service will follow from 4:30-6 at Daniel's Family Funeral Home on Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Casa Esperanza where Rick was a long time board member.