Ezra Andrew Duke Villafranco

With profound sadness and endless love, we announce the passing of Ezra Andrew Duke Villafranco, who entered eternal rest on May 15, 2026, at the age of 22. Ezra was born on September 5, 2003, and proudly called San Benito, Texas, home. Though his time on earth was far too short, the impact he made on the hearts of those who knew and loved him will live on forever.

Ezra was the beloved and only child of Vanessa Renee Garza. He was deeply cherished by his maternal grandparents, Gonzalo and Queta Garza.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Orlando Duke Garza; great-grandparents Maria Esther and Jesus Garza; great-grandparents Porfila and Enrique Gutierrez; great-uncles George Garza and Juan Garza; paternal grandparents Angelina and Alberto Villafranco; and his cousin Andrew Villafranco.

Ezra leaves behind a family and community who adored him beyond words. He is survived by his cousin Jayden Rey Garza; his uncle Norrand (Patricia) Garza, Giovanni Garza and their daughter Itzel; and countless extended family members whom Ezra lovingly considered bonus moms, grandmas, tias, tios, sisters, and brothers: Linda (Alvaro) Peralta, Jose Peralta, Claudia (Joe) Benavides, Yessenia (Jason) Connella, Della (Carlo) Salazar, Javier Gutierrez, Diana Salazar, Orlando (Damian) Gutierrez, Juanita (Roy) Guajardo, Carolyn (Sam) Martinez, Clair Garcia, Aylene Guajardo, Mia Garcia, Ernesto Gutierrez, Gina Gutierrez, Norma Garza-Linder, and Amanda Gutierrez.

He also leaves behind many children he proudly claimed as nieces and nephews, including Maizy, Piper, Reign, Ariella, and Kaius. Ezra shared an unbreakable bond with his “ride or die” brothers Nate, Tyler, Esteban, Brandon, Jarrid, Shaun, and Lupe.

Ezra is also survived by his Father, Jesse (Luptia) Villafranco; his siblings, Nicolas, Nathan, Fabian Villafranco, and Erick Torres Jr.; his aunt, Mari Villafranco; his uncles, Arnulfo (Ana) Villafranco, and Gilbert (Linda) Villafranco; and his cousins, Rudy Villafranco, Stephine Elizarde, Chris, JoseLuis, Denice Acosta, Sammy Acosta, Felicia, Arnulfo Jr., and Valerie and Gabriela Villafranco.

Ezra was truly one of a kind. He had a larger-than-life personality and a heart that embraced everyone around him. He was protective, thoughtful, respectful, selfless, and deeply loving. If Ezra cared about something, he went all in. Whether it was bodybuilding, gaming, Legos, drawing, motorcycles, football, music, tattoos, grilling, or learning something new, he gave it his full passion and attention. He especially loved going to the gym — a place that became such an important part of his life that he proudly worked there as well.

A proud Marine and dedicated student working toward becoming a lineman, Ezra carried determination and discipline in everything he did. He mastered bodybuilding and took tremendous pride in his commitment to fitness and self-improvement. He was creative, resourceful, intelligent, and endlessly curious. He could talk for hours about the Bible, Star Wars, Marvel, and just about any new interest he discovered. DC, according to him, was “just okay.”

Ezra loved playing pool, spending spring break at the beach, riding his motorcycle, and enjoying good food while perfecting his BBQ skills. He had an eclectic taste in music, a contagious laugh, and a sense of humor that could light up any room. He adored his beloved dog, Timber, and treasured the people in his life fiercely. He often jokingly called people “cabrona,” a term that became one of the many unforgettable parts of his personality that friends and family will forever smile about.

Though he joked about being “güero,” Ezra had been trying to learn Spanish and embraced every opportunity to connect more deeply with the people he loved. He was the life and light of every gathering, and above all else, he wanted everyone around him to know how much he loved them.

Ezra lived boldly, loved deeply, and left behind memories that will forever echo in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him.

His favorite scriptures reflected the faith and courage he carried through life:

“Fear not, for I am with you.” — Isaiah 41:10

“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, ‘Here I am, Lord. Send me!” — Isaiah 6:8

We would like to express heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering love and support from everyone of Vanessa’s family and friends, who have been there every day since the passing of her beloved Ezra.

Honored to be the pallbearers are Carlos Salazar, Joe Benavides, Orlando Gutierrez, Jose Peralta, Nate Clauido, Tyler Hite, Nicholas Villafranco and Esteban Briseno.

Honorary pallbearers are brother Norrand Garza and Father Gonzalo Garza

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing Ezra’s spirit lives on through the laughter, love, strength, and unforgettable memories he shared with all of us. He will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and never forgotten.

Visitation will be held for Ezra at Funeraria Del Angel Mont Meta, 26170 State Highway 345, San Benito, TX 785867351, US, on May 24, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM held by Angelica.

A Funeral Service will be held by Father Isaac at Funeraria Del Angel Mont Meta, 26170 State Highway 345, San Benito, TX 78586, US, on May 25, 2026, at 1:00 pm, followed by Burial and Military Honors at Mont Meta Memorial Park, 26170 State Highway 345, San Benito, TX 78586, US, on May 25, 2026, at 2:00 pm.