Obituary
Dr. Rolando “Rollie” A. DeCastro Sr., Fishers, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. He was 93 years old. Dr. DeCastro was born in the Philippines to his parents, Luis DeCastro and Cristina Aguilar. Dr. DeCastro earned his DMD from Manila Central University in 1953 and MSD from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1972. Dr. DeCastro married his wife, Concepcion (Mora) DeCastro, and together they shared over 40 years of marriage until Concepcion passed away in May of 1994.
Dr. DeCastro worked as a dentist for many years in the Philippines before becoming a professor of dental anatomy for Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1968. Eventually, Dr. DeCastro worked his way up to the head of the dental illustration department and illustrated many text books for his students to study. Dr. DeCastro formed the IU School of Dentistry Art Club which has exhibited both at the Union Building and the dental school. He was a design consultant for the Indianapolis District Dental Society Journal and was a member of the John Shaw Billings History of Medicine Society. He has received several awards and prizes in art competitions abroad. Dr. DeCastro was a Professor Emeritus of oral anatomy at the Indiana University School of Dentistry and a retired director of the Medical and Dental Association, IUSD. He was a member of the American Dental Association and the Indianapolis District Dental Society. Dr. DeCastro was also an honorary member of the Association of the American Medical Illustrators. Dr. DeCastro was also the art director of the mural found in the Indiana University School of Dentistry Lobby. Dr. DeCastro officially retired in 1994 after 26 years of service. Dr. DeCastro was a member of St. Elizabeth Seaton Church for many years. He was also a lifetime member of the Barangay Club of Indiana where he was able to form many strong relationships. In his younger years, Dr. DeCastro was involved in politics in the Philippines and served as councilman and enjoyed being a former boxer and powerlifter. Dr. DeCastro had a passion for mentoring young professionals entering the world of dentistry and made a point to stay in touch with many of his students. Dr. DeCastro was an accomplished artist with a legacy of many drawings and paintings his family always admired. He was a charismatic and friendly gentleman that knew how to charm everyone around him. Dr. DeCastro’s funny personality and big hearted nature will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind.
Dr. DeCastro is survived by his children, Evangeline Tarquinio, Maria Clemens, Rolando (Sandra) DeCastro Jr., and Arlene (Joe) Robinson; his grandchildren, Arlan (Amy) Tarquinio, Cosmo Clemens, Margaux Clemens, Rolando Jose DeCastro, Stephan (Tara) Brown, Chloe (Clayton) Napier, Pepper Robinson, and Christopher Robinson; his great grandchildren, Reece, Nolan, Evan, Cali and Mora; his sister, Azucena Paguio; his many nieces and nephews; his companion, Duding Sales.
Dr. DeCastro is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Concepcion DeCastro; his siblings, Conchita Jimenez and Elmer DeCastro; his nephew, Christopher Jimenez; his son-in-law, George Tarquinio.
A visitation for Dr. DeCastro will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. The funeral service will be conducted by Deacon Wilfredo de la Rosa on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 1:30 pm. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens at 2:30 pm.
Donations
For those choosing to make memorial contributions, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 50 91st St #100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.