R.I.P. Ellie Castillo

Photo credit: Andy TowleOne of Provincetown's most beloved and iconic performers/residents, Ellie Castillo, passed away on April 7, 2011 at 79 years young after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Since 2001, Ellie was a constant staple in Provincetown, not only as an entertainer, but as a person. She moved to Provincetown in 2001 to finally live her dream and live it she did! Singing mainly in front of Town Hall on Commercial Street, Ellie delighted crowds with her music and spirit. From morning until night, Ellie was out there singing or skating down Commercial Street with her wagon and music singing out for all to hear.

I have been visiting Provincetown for over 10 years now and there was never a time that went by where my friends and I would not stop and watch Ellie sing. Our trips to Provincetown sure won't be the same without seeing Ellie in person, but her spirit will live on for many, many years to come!

Thank you Ellie for entertaining us so beautifully and courageously as you LIVED your dream! You will always be a source of inspiration, light, and love! Your talent, voice, and life will never be forgotten!

Check out Ellie's Youtube page for all your Ellie Enjoyment, but enjoy this great short film by Robert O'Conner that he and Ellie made in 2005 about the "birth" of Ellie! Very moving and wonderful inside look!

There will be a public Celebration of Life for Ellie at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Provincetown on Saturday May 14th at 11 AM and a big tribute party- an Ellie Palooza- for everyone on Father's Day, June 19th at 1 PM, in front of Town Hall where Ellie used to sing, followed by a reception and silent auction at the Crown and Anchor in Provincetown.

Below is a letter from Ellie's family:

Dear Friends of Ellie,
Yesterday( April 7th) , our beloved Dad passed away at 5 PM, 56 days after his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. He died peacefully, after a valiant fight, with a slight smile on his face. He had family members with ...him every step of the way, and we were all privileged to love and be there with him. Thank you for all of your love and support and for your continuedlove and prayers. You are all invited to a public Celebration of Life for Ellie at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Provincetown on Saturday May 14th at 11 AM. We are throwing a big tribute party- an Ellie Palooza- for everyone on Father's Day, June 19th at 1 PM, in front of Town Hall where Dad used to sing, followed by a reception and silent auction at the Crown and Anchor, where Dad sometimes performed. What an amazing journey this has been. Godspeed Ellie! Adios and aloha!

All is well...
Love,
Andree, Lisa, Peter, Tom and Jim, Ellie's five children, and the rest of the Castillo family

Comments

[Shawn]

So glad I came across your site, Adam! Was looking at Lisa Lewis' and saw your interview. And this Ellie! So sorry I never got the chance to see the fun loving girl in person. A very heartwarming story. AND! Excited for Molly Pope! She's a swingin' dame. All the best!