David Eduardo Toro Castano

David was born in Bogotá, Colombia, to his loving parents, Sandra Sigrid Castaño Valderrama and César Augusto Toro Pelaez. At the age of three, he moved with his family to the United States, where he would build a life defined by an endless pursuit of learning, a deep devotion to family, and a steadfast faith in God. His early years were filled with the simple joys of childhood and family: riding his bike to Meadow Woods Elementary, playing basketball in the driveway with his dad and the neighborhood kids, and treasuring time with his siblings in their Florida room and backyard playground. He was a soft-spoken and gentle soul, whose quiet preferences were well-known to his family—while he’d politely pass on soup, a warm plate of macaroni and cheese was always a comfort. In high school, David’s God-given analytical mind began to shine. He discovered a passion for mathematics and computer science, winning first place in Java Programming at the district level in 2002 and fifth place in the state in 2003. This early promise blossomed into a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, which he saw as a way to understand the wonders of God’s creation. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics from the Florida Institute of Technology (2003–2007), where he was recognized for his intellectual rigor and academic excellence with induction into the Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society. His talent for innovation was further showcased as a finalist in NASA’s In Situ Resource Utilization Competition, where he helped develop technology for oxygen extraction on the moon. David’s professional journey reflected his versatile brilliance. He began as a Software Engineer at Lockheed Martin, working on advanced radar systems, and later founded The Portfolio Group, a successful real estate brokerage in Downtown Orlando. Yet his true calling was in education and research. As a professor of physics, mathematics, and statistics, he was known for his clear, compassionate teaching and his ability to inspire students across disciplines. His influence extended globally when he accepted a position as a Mathematics Professor at Shanghai Atong High School in Shanghai, China, where he shared his knowledge and passion with an international community of learners. Those who knew David will also remember his profound and selfless generosity—a quiet habit of giving that extended to both family and strangers alike. His kindness was expressed not in grand gestures, but in patient, tangible acts of love. He would literally give the shoes off his feet to someone in need, sit for hours to tutor a struggling student without expectation and offer his gentle guidance to anyone seeking to learn. David carried that same spirit of discovery into his personal life through a deep love of travel. He visited nearly 20 countries across five continents, embracing each journey as an opportunity to learn, connect, and marvel at the diversity of the world. His first great adventure was a backpacking trip through Europe, traveling by Eurail and staying in hostels—an experience that sparked a lifelong curiosity. He later immersed himself in life abroad, not only teaching in China but also exploring the vibrant markets of Morocco, the historic landscapes of India, and countless other destinations. For David, travel was more than movement; it was an extension of his faith and intellect—a way to witness the vastness of God’s creation and the beauty of human connection across cultures. Above all, David will be remembered as a man of quiet strength and profound faith. His life was a testament to his unwavering integrity, his commitment to service, and his deep love for his family. He approached every endeavor—whether in science, business, the classroom, or his travels—with curiosity, kindness, and a sense of higher purpose. His legacy is one of intellectual passion, faithful devotion, and enduring love. David is deeply missed and forever loved by his family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched.

David Eduardo Toro Castano

May 1, 1985 - December 29, 2025