Diego VillaNueva, 82, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of
Henrietta and Middletown, passed away quietly in his sleep, at home, on March
31, 2018. Born November 11, 1935, in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, he was the son
of Emilia Fuentes Rivera and Bernando Villanueva. He married Altagracia Torres
Falu on September 1, 1956 at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Bronx, NY. Diego became a police officer in 1963 and
worked for the city of New York for 21 years.
After retirement, he worked at various jobs to support his family.
Diego was known for his laughter, sense of fun, his love of
music, his “grandpa” eyes, and most of all for his devotion to his family. His
smile lit up a room and his “dad” jokes, as well as his kindness to others,
were legendary. “Pipa” will be sorely
missed.
Diego leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Altagracia; his
daughters, Vianney (Quintin) Garcia of Montgomery, NY, Lourdes Cruz of
Middletown, NY, Theresa (Michael) Salas of Wellsville, NY, Diana (Naim)
Villanueva-Alpar of Monroe, NY, Grace (Karl) Gilreath of Kettering, OH, and
Judi (Bob) Hournbuckle of Henrietta, NY;
and his son Diego (Heather) Villanueva, Jr. of Monticello, NY. Missing him as well are his 13 grandchildren,
Edward (Candis) Cruz, Juan Alejandro, Jr, Mathew Alejandro, David Cruz, Jaime
Alejandro, Arman Alpar, Tristan Gilreath, Annabelle Alpar, Mei Lin Hournbuckle,
Magdalena Villanueva, Giovanni Villanueva, Xenji Hournbuckle, and Carmelo
Villanueva; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Elijah and Emilia Cruz. In addition, missing him are his many
extended family members and friends.
Friends may call at the Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home,
Wellsville, NY on Friday, April 6, 2018 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., with Funeral Services
following at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the American
Lung Association, the American Heart Association, or the American Diabetes
Association in Diego’s memory. Online
condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
