Marco Esnil Castro's Obituary
Marco “Cocoy” Esnil Castro
November 9, 1980 - December 13, 2020
Marco “Cocoy” Esnil Castro, a child of God and a long term resident of San Leandro, CA, died unexpectedly on December 13, 2020 at the age of 40.
Named after our great grandfather Marcos Esnil, Marco was born in Angeles City, Philippines on November 9, 1980 to Evelyn Castro and Patrocinio Esguerra. He was lovingly cared for by his Mom, great Uncle Ben Esnil and Grandma Maria Castro. Marco attended Narciso Elementary School in the Philippines and attended San Lorenzo High School. Because of his caring nature and servant attitude, Marco chose to work as a caretaker and a delivery driver in order to help others.
Marco is survived by his parents Evelyn Castro Bambao, Ven Bambao and Patrocinio Esguerra; his siblings Agnes, Lea (Reggie), Shirleen (Luis), Jeanette (Kerry); his half siblings Emily, Edith, James, Perry, Jude, Jojo, Chato; his grandpa Alfredo (Minda), nieces Bianca, Anya, Aryanna, Esperanza and Keilani; nephews RJ, Kingston, Isaiah and Lorenzo; uncles Eddie, Erning, Ricky (Lorna), James (Virgie), Edwin (Marie), and Alfredo Jr. (Melody); aunts Nor (Pete), Beth (Joey), Ester (Noel), Vangie (Earl), Elvie (Rob), cousins Leda (Olivier), Anne Marie (Cari), Teresa (Nelson), Darwin (Marianne), Maricar (Ton), Caroline (Nimai), Philip, Francis, Calvin, Christopher, Micah (Jason), Zoe, Russli, Tosh, Kiwi, Imani, Charlotte, Maddux, Quinton, Xander; adopted brother in the Philippines, Gerald,and many nieces and nephews from his cousins. Family is the most important part of Marco’s life. He loved his family, and was generous in every circumstance.
Although he departed in his prime years, Marco experienced his greatest love in Ally. Their love is one that most people search for in their lifetime. Together, they enjoyed sharing feasts of food and served people with no homes. She describes him as a “true gentleman, chivalrous, and humble.” They were in the middle of making plans for their future when he suddenly passed away.
From beginning to end, Marco lived his authentic self, filled with passion for food, fun, relationships, and laughter. As a child in Angeles City, he was fearless, mischievous and free, playing tag in the rain with siblings and cousins on the dusty roads of Panday Pira Street from dusk to dawn. He can often be found making traps, catching bugs, hopping on moving jeepneys, and climbing roofs. Even bedtimes were dreamy nights of huddled children playing on tattered mats under mosquito nets. His life was filled with love and laughter.
When the family moved to California, he forged life-long friendships with other Hesperian Hawks and SLZ Rebels Alfredo Jr., David, Mark, Jeff, Brandon, Chris, Jay-R, Alan, and countless others. These friendships were rooted in loyalty, love, and respect. He can often be found celebrating life with them into the night and supporting one another through life’s ups and downs.
In his adult years, Marco grew stronger in his faith in God, “Jah,” as he calls him. Through conflict, he learned forgiveness and reconciliation. Through struggle and suffering, he learned hope and faith. Through despair, he found joy and new beginnings. In darkness, he often found light, no matter how long it took. In his last weeks, he developed a renewed zest for life: mending relationships, setting goals, waking up with joy, spreading his inner light.
He left us on a high note - operating out of the knowledge that he was fully loved in all his depth, beauty, and imperfection. Our hearts are beyond shattered, and we are profoundly grateful that we have had the opportunity to know him, grapple with him, love him, and be loved by him.
What’s your fondest memory of Marco?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marco?
Share a story where Marco's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marco you’ll never forget.
How did Marco make you smile?