Cecilio E. Villanueva

Cecilio E. Villanueva, 61 of Anton Chico, NM, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home on Thursday, August 29, 2019. Cecilio was born to the home of Cipriano and Bersabe (Romero) Villanueva on November 22, 1957 in Tecolotito, NM.  He was reared in Tecolotito and attended schools in Anton Chico and Santa Rosa.  On February 26, 1977, he married the former Merlinda Sandoval in Anton Chico, NM. Cecilio was employed by the County of Guadalupe for 5 years before joining ENMR, where he worked as a Construction Foreman, retiring after 33 years of service in 2015.  In addition to this, Cecilio also bladed roads for Singleton Ranches.  A life-long resident of Anton Chico, Cecilio was a devoted parishioner of Saint Joseph Catholic Church and he enjoyed many hobbies.  These hobbies included hunting, ranching and breaking horses.  He operated heavy equipment and enjoyed cutting wood and splitting it with an ax.  However, he particularly enjoyed the time he spent with his children, grandchildren, siblings, family and friends. Cecilio is preceded in death by his wife Merlinda Villanueva in 2008, his parents and his brother; David Villanueva. Cecilio is survived by his children; Bobby Villanueva and wife Louise of Anton Chico, NM, Billy Villanueva and wife Janell of Illfield, NM, Vicky Villanueva of Las Vegas, NM and Estevan Villanueva and wife Daniela of Anton Chico, NM and his grandchildren; Krystin, Brooklyn, Alyssa, Jonah, Jacoby, Shawnee, Emilio and Justine.  Cecilio is also survived by his siblings; Joe Villanueva, Henry Villanueva and wife Mary Ellen, Rose Smith, Gabby Velasquez and husband Max, Cipriano Villanueva and wife Lorrie, Manuel Villanueva and wife Carla, Alice Chavez and husband Ronald, Katy Gallegos and husband Jim and Becky Villanueva. Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be Sunday, September 1, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Anton Chico.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, September 2, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at Saint Joseph’s with Father Antonio Mondragon officiating.  Interment will follow at San Jose Cemetery in Anton Chico. Serving as Pallbearers are Jimmy Gallegos, Arthur Villanueva, Roger Villanueva, Michael Velasquez, Danny Flores, Albino Martinez and Lonnie Ware.  Honorary Pallbearers are Robbie Larrañaga, Cipriano Villanueva and Martin Roybal. All services have been entrusted to Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM  88435.  575-472-3369. To place an on-line tribute please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.