Obituary of Dionisio Castro

Dionisio Castro Vidal, affectionately known as “Doni” was born in Pontevedra, Galicia Spain on December 16, 1935.  He was one of eight children born of the union of Servando Castro and Maria Asunción Vidal. He spent his youth working in the family bakery and on his father’s fishing trawler to help support the family. In his free time he enjoyed playing soccer with friends and his brothers. When he turned eighteen he served a mandatory year of service in the Spanish Army.  After his stint in the Army he joined the Merchant Marine to seek adventure and travel the world.  In or about1960 he arrived in New York City with nothing more than twelve (12) dollars in his pockets and the clothing on his back. He was welcomed by a family member who took him in, temporarily, until he got settled into his new life in the States. He began working in a restaurant in New York City as a dishwasher before working his way up through the ranks to Pastry Chef, Sous Chef and eventually to Head Chef.  He worked in some of the finest restaurants in Manhattan, including the 21 Club and the El Morocco where he met numerous celebrities, such as President John F. Kennedy, Mickey Mantle, Aristotle Onassis and Frank Sinatra to name a few. In March of 1961, he became part of a family when he married Rosario Salas who had emigrated from Venezuela and had three children (Jeannette age 9, Robert age 5 and Steve age 4 (from a previous marriage). The family lived together in an apartment on 136^th Street and Broadway in Manhattan until 1968 when they bought a two family home on Sunnyside Drive in Yonkers.  Over the years Doni and Rosarito graciously opened their home and extended their hospitality to family and friends from Venezuela and Spain. Doni continued working as a Chef in Manhattan until his retirement in or about 1995.  In his retirement he would return with Rosarito to visit his home town of Pontevedra each year to reconnect with his family.  He remained devoted to his beloved wife Rosarito until her death in 2014. Doni helped raise Rosarito’s children: Jeannette, Robert and Steve as well as their children who he considers his own grandchildren. Doni loved spending time with and cooking and baking for the family.  He loved his native Country Spain.  He learned to love baseball from his co-workers who would watch and follow the Mets and Yankees while working together in the kitchens. He developed a keen and thorough understanding of the game.  He was overjoyed when the Mets won the World Series in 1969 and again in 1986. Doni was predeceased by his loving wife, Rosario, his beloved siblings; Manuel Castro, Olegario Castro, Claudio Castro, Maria Amanda, and Amelia, and his much beloved nephew, Gonzalo Agulla. He is survived by beloved siblings:  Servando (93) and Antonio (83). Doni is survived by and will be greatly missed by children Jeannette Dorio (Lou), Robert Anduze (Katherine), Steve Anduze (Daniela). Beloved Grandchildren: Lauren Grosz, Karly Grosz, Robert Anduze, Samantha Anduze & Ava Anduze. Beloved Great Grandchildren: Penelope Anduze and Scarlett Anduze. Beloved Niece's and Nephews in Spain: Maria del Pilar Agulla Castro, Maria Teresa, Cristana Gonzalo,Servando,Mary Pili,Gonzalo,Jose Antonio,Rosalia,Dario,Maria,Carmen,Claudio,Amelia,Natalia,Jose,Servando,Antonio, Maria Elena, Antonio, Beatiz, and Victoria.