Gabriel S. Castelino

It is with deep sorrow, yet great hope, that we announce the passing of Gabriel Sabino Castelino, beloved husband, father, brother, teacher, and friend who went home to be with our Lord Jesus on June 23, 2026 at 68 years of age in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Gabriel was born to Sabino and Irene Castelino on March 24, 1958 in Mumbai, India, the fifth of seven children. As a young boy, Gabriel was not only very diligent in his studies but also had a reputation for being excellent at ping pong, carrom (a popular tabletop game in India), and soccer. After completing his undergraduate studies at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, Gabriel moved to America in 1981 to pursue further education. In 1986 he graduated from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan with a PhD in electrical and computer engineering. He went on to teach as a professor at Kettering University (formerly General Motors Institute) for 17 years. 

In the summer of 1989, Gabriel married his wife, Jeanette. One year later, their oldest son was born. After deciding to homeschool their children, the Lord brought other families along that showed Gabriel and his wife what it meant to be disciples of Jesus and to understand the implications of Christ’s finished work on the cross. Very soon, he dedicated his time to studying the Bible, following what he learned from Scripture, and teaching regularly in church. 

Some years later, Gabriel felt called to quit his job in order to serve God more fully, relying on the Lord for provision and direction. Gabriel and his family went back and forth to India a few times on short-term mission trips, preaching and teaching in revival meetings in many rural areas. God closed the door on more long-term ministry in India, but led him into a new chapter as an instructor in a newly-established Christian college education program, Verity Institute. For the next 10 years, he had the opportunity to use his incredible God-given gift of teaching, even in subjects that were not in his professional scope of study, while also investing himself into discipleship of the students on a daily basis. Meanwhile, he was also sent out by his church to assist a nearby pastor in the shepherding of his congregation, and was ordained a minister while serving there. He was eventually appointed Director of Academic Affairs at Verity Institute, leading the team of instructors and program advisors in helping many Christian students complete their degrees efficiently. 

Gabriel was ready to share God’s Word practically anytime and anywhere. He has taught in India, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Israel, Taiwan, Haiti, and South Korea — in home Bible studies, in local churches, in training events, in virtual meetings, in youth meetings, and much more. After his retirement, he spent his time meeting the needs of his family and friends, teaching the Bible, managing the family’s essential oils business, playing with kids, and creatively investing in many lives, regardless of age. At any gathering, it was not uncommon to find him soothing a crying child or putting a baby to sleep. While he was naturally introverted, he was always ready to offer advice, insight… and plenty of humor. He was never one to let an opportunity pass for a good pun to tease people with his wordplay skills. He will be greatly missed by one and all, especially his family. 

Gabriel is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his son, Zyrek; his daughter, Nirel; his sisters, Aruna, Anna (Valentine), and Cecilia (Venantius); and his 10 nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers, Anand and Vianney; his sister, Esther; and his parents, Sabino and Irene. The family has been deeply touched by the way in which everyone has shown love and support and conveys their thanks to each of you. 

We invite you to a memorial service for Gabriel’s Celebration of Life on August 1st in the Indianapolis area — exact location to be announced soon. Please use this form to RSVP. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to one of the following organizations: 

- Christian Aid Mission 

- Serve India Ministries 

- Christian Freedom International