Rafael

Villegas

Rafael Villegas was born on September 13, 1925, and passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 98 on October 13, 2023.

Rafael was born in La Piedad, Michoacan, Mexico to Jose & Ernestina Villegas.   He spent his teenage years in Mexico City and came to the United States for the first time after selection in the Mexican Bracero program in 1942.  He was known as "El Chavo" (the youngest) for many years, as he was only seventeen at the time.  He spent two years traveling between Yuma, AZ and Washington State with the seasonal farmworkers.  Although Rafael attempted to enlist in the Army for the United States during WW2, he was denied because the Braceros were important to cover labor shortages in the US for agriculture and transportation.  In 1944, he returned to Mexico to serve in the Mexican military.  After serving, he then became a police officer in Mexico City for several years.

In 1948, he returned to the United States to reunite with his brother and sister.  It was then that he met Angela Ruiz, a dear friend of his sister Maria Luisa.  There were three Ruiz sisters in Hollister at the time, and they ultimately married three Villegas brothers.  Gloria married Roberto, then Rafael married Angela, followed finally by Jose marrying Reina.  The three families were very tight knit, raising children, vacationing together at Disneyland, and having barbecues and beach trips in the Summer, with the three Villegas brothers grilling meats and singing along with the music that always surrounded them.

Rafael became a US Citizen in 1958, and took as much pride in that as being a Mexican citizen.  He was employed by Tri-Valley Growers, working in the cannery for 35 years until his retirement at 62 in 1987.  Rafael and Angela raised five children in a loud and loving home and taught them by example the value of an honest day's work and that family and faith is above all else.

Rafael enjoyed many things in life- always surrounded by family.  Music was always on, and every night the TV went off and the records went on during dinner, at which attendance was mandatory and enjoyed together.  He was an avid futbol/soccer fan, and could be heard yelling at the TV and cheering for Mexico, which later morphed into Raiders games with his kids.  He and his beloved Angela loved to dance, and would spin around the dance floor, twirling to Big Band music, waltzes, and Mexican cumbias with ease.  They were watched and admired by many at countless weddings, parties, and dances during their married life, moving around the perimeter of the dance floor.

Rafael is survived by his wife of almost 75 years, Angela Ruiz Villegas, daughters Elsie (David) Marshall and Ivy Villegas, and son Eddie Villegas.  He will be missed greatly by his Grandchildren, Joel (Michelle) Romero, Nello (Amanda) Romero, Adrian (Lorena) Villegas, Vanessa (Andrew) Marentis, Jeffrey Villegas, Amanda (Dylan) Spitler, Anton & Layla Borges, along with Great-Grandchildren Kiana Reyes, Natalie Villegas, Addison Romero, Elliana Marentis, Christian Romero, Elias Romero, and Violetta Spitler.

Rafael was preceded in death by his son George Villegas, his daughter Veronica Romero, siblings Maria Luisa Bravo, Carmen Aguilar, Roberto Villegas, Jose Villegas, and Socorro Haro; parents Jose Villegas and Ernestina Jaso.

Rafael spent the last 2 ½ years of his life living at Mabie Northside Skilled Nursing Facility.  His family would like to extend their appreciation to the amazing staff for their care and attention to their Jefe.  He was a favorite among many there, for his cheerful disposition and gratitude for all who helped him during his residency.

A viewing will be held at Black Cooper Sander Mortuary from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Monday, November 6, 2023.  A Mass to celebrate Rafael's life will be held at St. Benedict Church afterward at 11:00 am, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery.  A reception will follow at Paine's Restaurant.