Fernando Villalva

"Good morning!" was Fernando A. Villalva's greeting, regardless of the time of day. Our beloved brother, uncle, teacher, and friend, was called by our Lord on January 13, 2014, at the age of 81. Fernando was a lifelong teacher, having taught at Ascarate, Del Norte, Marion Manor, Gadsden, St. Patrick's, Lincoln, and Morehead Elementary Schools. He was an avid gardener, loved raising horses, reading poetry, and was constantly singing and dancing, forever carrying the music in his heart. Fernando was a wishful guitarist and played his piano and marimba with passion, inspiring others to give it a try. He found the teachable moment every day of his life with anyone who would lend an ear, making us all the better for it. An avid photographer, he documented the joys of our lives, leaving us a legacy to cherish for generations to come. Fernando is survived by his brothers, Luis and Beatriz Villalva, Alberto Villalva, Jesus Villalva; and sisters, Alicia and Manuel Moya, Angelina Flores, Amalia Guerrero, Irene and Guillermo Zubia, Mary Ellen Portillo, and Dorothy and Danny Macias, together with his thousands of nieces and nephews, both related and adopted. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 23, 2014 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Carolina. Services celebrating the life of Fernando will be held Friday, January 24, 2014 with a Vigil Service at 8:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow at Evergreen East Cemetery, 12400 E. Montana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the San Martin de Porres fund at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1050 N. Clark Rd., 79925 or to the Saint Vincent de Paul fund at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 8600 Winchester St., 79907. Services under the direction of HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME 1060 Carolina Dr. 598-3332