Marcelo Villescas

Marcelo Villescas, 83, entered heaven's gates surrounded by his family on May 19, 2018. He was born on January 16, 1935 in San Juan, Texas. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Isabel Villescas, one son; David Villescas of San Juan, and three daughters; Irene Franco and her husband Jaime Federico Franco of Laredo, Noelia Romero and her husband Francisco Romero Jr. of San Juan, and Jennifer Suarez and her husband Gilpatrick Suarez of Round Rock. Marcelo had 8 grandchildren whom he prayed for daily and loved dearly; Jaime Daniel Franco, Jose David Villescas Jr. and his wife Grace Villescas, Samuel Alejandro Franco, Julian Jacob Villescas, Victoria Lyn Romero, Veronica Marie Romero, and Olivia Nicole Suarez. Other survivors include his two brothers from San Juan; Pedro Villescas (Maria) and Gavino Villescas (Rafaela), sister in law Manuela Villescas, brother in law Silvestre Silva, numerous nephews, nieces and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernardino and Bernardina Villescas; five siblings, Isabel Flores, Fortino Villescas, Jesus Villescas, Antonia Silva, and Maria Cantu. 

As a provider for his family, Marcelo worked for EW Kneip in Illinois for 7 years before returning to San Juan in 1972 when his mother became ill. Upon his return to Texas, he became self-employed and took pleasure in migrating to Virginia 3 months of each year for twenty years (1996-2016). Marcelo not only loved and provided for his family, he often sought out to help and serve people in need. He appreciated the work and the comradery of his co-workers which led to actively recruiting men who were both grateful for the opportunity to work and appreciative for all Marcelo provided until they reached their destination. With great pride and determination, he worked until the age of eighty-one. Marcelo continued expanding the seed of faith which was passed down from his mother. Throughout his lifetime, he was an excellent role model for all those he loved. His kind words of advice: put God first and have faith, pray to God daily, go to Church every Sunday, forgive, do the right thing, help others, and have fun.  Casino gambling, Lotto scratch off tickets, and watching sports with his pot numbers were a few things he loved to do. His favorite sports were boxing, football, and most of all baseball. He was a true fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Texas Rangers. Marcelo was most content when spending time with his family; seeing his grandchildren gave him great joy. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary, Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at Legacy Chapels, 4610 S. Jackson Rd. in Edinburg. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish in San Juan. Interment will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr. Honorary pallbearers will be Francisco Villescas, Francisco Romero Jr., and his four grandsons Danny, Joey, Sammy, and Julian.

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.