Guillermo Arturo Azucena Castillo

Guillermo Arturo Azucena Castillo, known affectionately to friends and family as Memo, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of September 2, 2026 at the age of 70. Born on December 26, 1955 in San Salvador, El Salvador, Memo was a generous and warmhearted man whose life and identity were shaped by the many people, places, and cultures he held close to his heart. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, favorite brother and uncle, and a wonderfully humorous and unforgettable personality. In 1979, he made the courageous decision to move to the United States. With hope, determination, and an unwavering commitment to family, he built a life and created an everlasting home in Maryland, leaving behind a legacy cherished by all who knew him across the United States, El Salvador, and Taiwan.

Memo dedicated his entire life to his family. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 42 years, Betty Hsueh, whom he met in the United States after she emigrated from Taiwan in 1973. Carrying on his legacy are his daughter, Gloria; his son-in-law, Erik; and his grandson, Kirin. Memo’s life was further enriched by his close-knit family, including his sister, Lorena; his brother-in-law, Bruce; his nieces, Jackie and Wendy; his nephew, Bruce Anthony; and his grand-nephew, Archer. He is survived by his family in El Salvador, which includes his brothers, Orlando and Tico, and his nieces and nephews, Camila, Eleonora, Claudia, Tico, and Nelson. He is also survived by his extended family in Taiwan.

Memo was known for his jubilant spirit and the positive impact he had on everyone he encountered. He generously gave his time, love, care, and support to help others. He had a remarkable ability for fixing things and for having engaging conversations. He loved to talk about music, movies, and literature. His favorite novel was Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude. His love of books and literature was reflected in his annual attendance at the National Book Festival.

His commitment to faith and family, paired with his kindness, sense of humor, and boundless imagination, made him a beloved figure whose memory will continue to resonate deeply in the hearts of all who knew him. As Memo’s family grieves his loss, they find comfort in knowing Memo is not truly gone. His magical spirit, his imagination, his laughter, and the love he shared lives on within his family who will remember him for the remarkable man he was. 

A memorial service celebrating Memo’s exceptional life will be held on October 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM at 16 Kent Gardens Circle, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks you to make a donation in Memo's name to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, linked here.  Your generous gift in Memo’s memory will help inspire a love of reading and bring the joy of books to children.