Refugio Villa

With love in our hearts, we announce the passing of Refugio “Cuco” Villa, 93, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 in Ventura, CA.

Refugio was born on August 13, 1931 in Ysleta, Texas. He grew up there with his grandmother Rita and brother Tony. He traveled often from Texas to Ventura, California visiting his mother, Ramona, and sisters, Lidia and Josie, and where he met his future wife Virginia Rose Varela. After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corp he decided to return to Ventura to claim his bride. They were married in 1954 and would cherish each other for 70 years and raise six children.

In the early years of their marriage they settled in Ventura. He attended Ventura College at 23, and made the decision to become a carpenter. He was a carpenter for 50 years and was a member of Carpenters Local Union 105 for over 65 years. During these years, he met his most cherished lifelong friends. He took great pride in knowing he helped build various important structures for the community and all around the County of Ventura. Even after retirement, he continued his passion for building by using his talents to construct useful spaces in all of his children’s homes.

Cuco loved to spend time with his family and take them to revel in the outdoors whether it was one of the many camping and fishing trips or road trips to visit National Parks. He enjoyed visiting his hometown and relatives in Texas. He also loved baseball whether he was watching his beloved Dodgers or coaching his sons in Little League. His favorite pastime in recent years was hosting football watching parties and competing in a Football Pick’em league where he had great success.

He had a great sense of humor, always flashing his famous smile and spreading joy with a quick-witted joke. He loved to spend time with people whether he was telling a vivid story, playing cards, or hosting large family parties. He is also known for sharing his “helpful” phrases and assigning nicknames to everyone he liked. As a lifelong follower of Christ he was active in Ventura’s Catholic community and a longtime parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Cuco is predeceased by his daughter, Corinne Ramirez (husband Kris); and sons, Ruben Villa (wife Sharlee) and Ralph Villa (wife Veronica). Survived by his wife, Virginia Rose (Varela) Villa; sons Raul Villa (wife Debra); Richard Villa; and daughter Renee Arroyo ( husband Steve); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2024 at Camino del Sol Memorial Center, 200 North C Street, Oxnard.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 16, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 10800 Henderson Road, Ventura.

Reception following at 4:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa Street in Ventura.

Graveside committal service is planned for Tuesday, November 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Refugio Villa, please visit our floral store.