Manuel Castro Tapias

Manuel Joaquin Castro Tapia, 88, a longtime resident of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at his home on January 8, 2026.

Manuel was born on January 15, 1937, in San Juan Nepomuceno, Colombia, a beloved son of the late Iluminada Filomena Tapia de Castro and Antonio Tomás Castro Miranda. He received his education and developed his mechanical repair skills in Barranquilla, Colombia, before going on to build a life grounded in family, hard work, and service.

Manuel worked for Pitney Bowes for 31 years as a stamp machine repairman. Gifted with remarkable mechanical ability, he could fix nearly anything he set his mind to and took great pride in working with his hands. In his spare time, he enjoyed birdwatching, singing the beloved songs of his youth, and playing his guitar.

As a devoted father, Manuel cherished time spent with his children. He especially loved taking them to Playland, ice skating, Radio City Music Hall, and visiting national landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Washington Monument. After his retirement, he remained very active in his community through the Pitney Bowes Golden Oldies, where he found fellowship and purpose.

Manuel was married to his beloved wife, Amalia Castro, for 68 years. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

He is survived by his wife, Amalia Castro; his children, Lais Castro (Pat), Marbel Castro Roy, Arnold Castro, Rodolfo Castro (Veronica), and Gerardo Castro; his brothers, Daladier Castro Tapia, Luis Castro Tapia (Mabel), and Marceliano Castro Tapia (Ledys) and sister Maria lluminada Castro Carde (Jorge); and his cherished grandchildren, Tyler Castro, Jaclyn Castro, James Manuel Eddings, Amalia Eddings, Graciela Roy, and Christopher Roy along with his many beloved nieces and nephews.

Manuel was predeceased by his siblings Ana Betina Castro de Martinez, Visenta Castro Tapia, and Antonio Tomas Castro Tapia, and by his son-in-law, James Roy.

Family and friends will be received on January 14, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lacerenza Macari Family Funeral Home, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on January 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Benedict - Our Lady of Montserrat Parish, 21 St. Benedict Circle, Stamford, CT 06902. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Aracelly, Miriam, Manuela, and Sandra for the love, compassion, and exceptional care they provided to Manuel. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort and peace to him and his family.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.lacerenzafh.com