Gavino Villescas

Gavino Villescas, Sr., 88, fell peacefully into heavenly slumber, surrounded by his family and loved ones, on Thursday, June 17, 2021.
He will forever be remembered for his sentimental storytelling, his infectious laugh, and his unconditional love for his family.
Gavino served his country and his community in the United States Army, gaining his National Defense Service Medal after he fulfilled his term in the U. S. Army and was released to the U. S. Army Reserve.
Gavino and his beloved wife Rafaela were devoted and faithful Catholics and lived their lives in calling to service. They served for many years as marriage encounter sponsors, eucharistic ministers, lectors, CCD directors, and more. Gavino and Rafaela delivered the body of Christ to the infirmed members of the community for over 50 years and were proud members of the Universal Cursillo Movement of the Catholic diocese.
Gavino enjoyed serving the community and spending quality time with his family. He enjoyed visiting his brothers and sisters after early morning mass and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, proudly sharing in their successes and accomplishments. Gavino enjoyed traveling all over the states to see his grandkids play baseball.
He was the perfect example and model of how a husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and citizen should be. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Mr. Villescas will be missed by many who were graced with his presence.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernardino and Bernardina Villescas; three sisters, Isabel Flores, Antonia Silva, and Maria Cantu; four brothers, Jesus Villescas, Fortino Villescas, Marcelo Villescas, and Pedro Villescas.
Mr. Villescas is survived by his wife, Rafaela G. Villescas of Pharr; six children: Jose Guadalupe (Annette) Villescas of San Juan; Carlos (Amabely) Villescas of Pharr; Gavino (Ruth) Villescas, Jr., of San Juan; Jaime Villescas of Mission; Cristina (Ambrosio) Hernandez of Pharr; and Veronica (Leonardo) Sanchez of San Juan; 19 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Gavino lived a long and loved life, indeed.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. with a 6 p.m. rosary Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will be held at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 24, 2021, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish in San Juan. Interment will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.
Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 7473 of Elsa.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish in San Juan.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home of San Juan.