Mumbai: Thousands bid tearful adieu to braveheart Darryl Castelino
Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 30: Wing commander Darryl Castelino of Indian Air Force (IAF), who died in a chopper crash at Gaurikund, Kedarnath, during a rescue mission in flood-hit Uttarakhand, was given a tearful farewell by scores of family, friends, well-wishers and colleagues at St Antony’s parish, Vakola, Santacruz (East) here on Sunday June 30.
The mortal remains of Darryl were brought to his home in Diamond Park, Vakola, Santacruz (East) here by IAF top officers on Sunday afternoon and placed for public homage. Thousands of people arrived to pay homage to the departed Darryl.
The entire Diamond Park complex was cordoned off by security men and IAF personnel. Only relatives of Darryl were allowed into his residence.
Vakola parish priest Fr Siraj Pinto performed the rites at Darryl’s home and prepared for the onward journey to the church where funeral Mass was offered, followed by the burial at the cemetery. Archbishop of Bombay Dr Percival Fernandez offered the Mass. Parish priest of Thokkur church Fr Richard Lasrado and other priests were present.
Darryl’s mother Leena Castelino (hailing from Kinnigoli, Mangalore), Darryl’s wife Jyothi, son Ethan and daughter Angelina Castelino, sisters Sheryl and Meryl, mother-in-law Jacinta Olivera, father-in-law Clement Olivera, Rony Olivera Padukone, Walter Buthello, Francis Olivera, and hundreds of family members and friends offered homage to Darryl.
Top IAF officers offered state honours before lowering the mortal remains of Darryl into the decorated IAF automobile.
BJP leader MLA Gopal C Shetty, Vinod Tawde, Asish Shelar, Vasant Kshirasagar, Billawar Association – Mumbai president L V Amin, and other dignitaries paid their last respects.
It was indeed a heart-rending scene to witness thousands of people in the neighbourhood mourning the brave Indian soldier who laid down his life while rescuing the people in peril. It ignited great patriotic spirit among the people gathered to bid adieu to their hero.
As the funeral procession reached Datta Mandir roundabout, IAF and Indian Navy (IA) offered guard of honour and proceeded to Vakola parish. As soon as the motorcade reached the parish premises, it rained heavily.
The faithful attended the funeral Mass outside the parish compound braving the rains, as the church was jam-packed.
The mortal remains of braveheart Darryl were laid to rest amidst tight-security at Our Lady of Egypt parish cemetery, Kalina, Santacruz (East) here, as per the wish of Darryl’s family. Darryl was a keen church-goer, involved in parish activities thoughout his life.