Michael J. Castro

Michael J. Castro died peacefully at his home in Stoughton, surrounded by his beloved family on Monday, December 12, 2022. He was 63. Born in Taunton, son of Lorraine (Ferreira) Castro and the late Robert J. Castro Sr. of Raynham, he was raised and educated in Raynham and was a 1977 graduate of Bridgewater-Raynham High School. In 1993, he married Karen E. “Karry” Norton, and together they shared 29 wonderful years of marriage and raised three beloved daughters. 

In 1996 they moved to Stoughton to raise their family. Mike was a longtime dedicated employee of Shaw’s Supermarkets, spending most of his years in the Stoughton store, becoming a friend to many in the community and serving as a friendly face for all who met him. Mike was a proud member and steward of the UFCW Local 791 for many years and forged many friendships with coworkers that were so important to him.

Michael was known as a very mischievous young boy, spending hours of his childhood days with the Orchard Street boys, infamous for biking around Raynham in the wee hours of the morning. While playing high school baseball, he picked up one of the many nicknames he would have in his life, “Carlos”. Sharing a strong interest in the unique and bizarre with his brother Bobby, Mike picked up metal detecting at a young age, adding many articles to his collection throughout the years. An avid skier, Mike loved to do mogul runs and was dubbed “Mogul Man”. Michael inherited his father’s love of fishing and had many buddies that would join him at the fishing hole, often in his beloved green canoe. He was a member and frequent visitor to the Port Norfolk Yacht Club in Dorchester and spent many happy afternoons at the Tiki Bar with friends and family. Michael loved music – his favorite bands included the Rolling Stones and the Kinks, and he was well-known for inventing hilarious replacement lyrics to many songs.

In addition to how dedicated he was to his family, he was just as dedicated to his pool - as all his friends, family, coworkers, and pool supply proprietors knew. A lifelong love of cuisine came from his mother Lorraine’s kitchen. He was a very adventurous eater and loved to try dishes from all over the world. He especially enjoyed spicy food, with Mexican being his favorite.

Mike loved to travel; his many adventures included snorkeling in Hawaii, enjoying San Francisco in California, hanging on Rick’s boat at Lake Winnipesaukee, playing horseshoes and hanging with the OOB Crew at Old Orchard Beach, and patronizing the Beachcomber on Cape Cod. Every summer Michael could be found on the beach in Martha’s Vineyard with his family, always with his trusty baseball cap and sunglasses, enjoying the sunshine and a few Bud Lights.

Michael embraced his family like no one else. His three daughters were the most precious thing in his life – Michael’s devotion to them was unmatched, and the girls never heard the word “no” from their dad. He was not only a dedicated husband to Karry, but a best pal – they loved hanging out together and having their chats, always happiest in each other’s company.

Michael had an enormous circle of friends young and old – his neighbors, coworkers, and many others numbered among those he could call friend. He was legendary for his contagious sense of humor. He never lost his sense of mischief, and laughter was frequent when he was around. All who knew him will miss his classic observations.

In addition to his wife Karry (Norton) Castro and his mother Lorraine (Ferreira) Castro, he is survived by his three daughters, Abigail L. Maloney and her husband Michael of Taunton, Natalie N. Castro and her boyfriend Chris Merkel and Bridget M. Castro, all of Stoughton.  He was predeceased by his father Robert J. Castro and his brother Robert J. “Bobby” Castro, Jr. Mike was the loving brother-in-law of Barbara M. Hogan and her husband Frank, Patrick Norton and his girlfriend Michaela McGrath, all of Stoughton, and Bobby’s partner Harry Burer.  He was the devoted uncle of Maggie and Stephen Leoffler, Camille Ward and Patrice and Jeanette Hogan. He is also survived by his lifelong friends Rick “Dudley” Taft and Donald “Cheese” Helidies and by his beloved dog Nora.

Visiting Hours will be held in the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt. 27) Stoughton on Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 2-5 PM.  Funeral will be held from the Farley Funeral Home on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, Stoughton at 10:30 AM.  Donations in Mike’s memory may be made to the St. Anthony’s Food Pantry, c/o Immaculate Conception Church, 122 Canton St., Stoughton, 02072.