Randolph “Randy” Castillo passed away on December 10, 2025, in his home in Sitka at the age of 67.
Randy was born July 3, 1958, to Felix Alfiler Castillo and Juliana Alejon Castillo in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was welcomed by his two sisters, Connie and Flo. In 1960, the family moved to Sitka, where son Fletch was welcomed, in 1963.
Connie, Flo, Randy, and Fletch all grew up close alongside their cousins, Jamie, Rudy, and Mario. The boys especially were inseparable during their elementary and teen years.
In 1976, Randy graduated from Sitka High School. Soon after he met the love of his life, Laura Joseph, and they began dating. He traveled for college attending Seattle Pacific University and Northrop University in California where he graduated in 1982 in the Airframe and Powerplant.
After he returned to Sitka, Randy and Laura married, in August 1982 at St. Gregory’s Catholic church. They shared 43 years of marriage and raised three children; Julie, Randi, and Roger.
Randy worked at a number of local businesses including Alaska Lumber and Pulp, Lakeside, Bailey’s Tackle, and Ace Hardware. Most of Randy’s working career was spent at Arrowhead Transfer where he worked in accounting for over 30 years. He retired when he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.
The Lewy Body Dementia had begun to surface in 2023. But since Randy was very persistent and hard-working, the signs went unnoticed until late in the year. When the disease manifested fully, he left work.
"On behalf of the family, and Randy’s memory, we encourage anyone experiencing signs of dementia to seek medical advice," his family wrote. "While it is an overwhelming and terrible disease, it can be managed to bring comfort, care, and dignity to its sufferers and family members."
Randy spent his remaining time at home enjoying the company of his beloved wife, Laura. He was cared for by her, their daughter Randi and her partner Trevor, and helpers Heather and Joe. Thanks to everyone’s effort and care, Randy was with people who loved him even through his final moments.
Randy was a vibrant soul. He practiced karate under Michael Taylor at Kenwa Kai. He was a self-taught guitar player and played in church choir. He sang karaoke and especially loved duets with Laura. He loved martial arts movies, comedies, trivia games, and playing basketball. Though usually a man of few words, he would make jokes you might catch if you were within earshot. He loved to laugh and make others happy.
He was also kind. He let his kids’ friends stay at the house like they were his own. And when his family needed comfort, he was always there in his own quiet way.
"He left us as the sun rose on a beautiful, snow-covered winter morning. He took his final breaths at home surrounded by family. His final words were 'Thank you. I love you,”' his family wrote.
He is survived by his wife, Laura Castillo (Sitka); daughters Julie (California) and Randi Castillo (Sitka); son Roger Ness Jr. (Sitka); siblings and their spouses, Connie and Rich Dangel (Florida), Flo and James Maricevich (Florida), Angelique Castillo (Washington), Lynne and John Kelley (Oregon), Felix Castillo Jr. (Ketchikan); stepmother, Concepcion Castillo (Ketchikan); niece Jamie Castillo (Washington); nephew Fletcher Castillo II (Washington); cousins, Mario and Juliette Castillo (Sitka), and Rudy Castillo.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix Castillo and Juliana Castillo; brother Fletcher Castillo; sister Beatrice Castillo; and cousin, Jamie Castillo.
Randy was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be missed as much as he is loved.
A celebration of his life will be held for Randy from 1 to 3 p.m. on April 12 at the Sheet’ká Ḵwáan Naa Kahídi community house in Sitka. "Please join us in remembering and honoring him," the family said.
