Dante Balasico Villa

Dante Balasico Villa, of San Diego, California passed away on Sunday November 18, 2018. He was the fourth of seven children born to Damaso C. Villa and Petra A. Balasico on December 11, 1934 in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He married his college sweetheart Estelita L. Deguzman in 1957. Devoted father of Dario (Tess) Villa, Emma Villa Guarnes and Din (Janet) Villa. He is survived by his wife Estelita, younger siblings Durante, David and Puresa, grandchildren Jason, Rio Jacinta, Joseph, Niko, Mai, Dante Ryan and Kayla, and numerous nieces and nephews.

While attending National University in Manila, he joined the United States Navy in 1960 and served with honor and distinction for 23 years, the last 12 years as a Chief Preventive Medical Technician. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science from Laverne College/University while stationed in the Philippines in 1975. He became a Registered Sanitarian for the State of California in 1983.

He served on the submarine USS Sabalo during the Bay of Pigs Cuban Crisis and was in Vietnam twice during the war. He was a recipient of National DefenseService Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal-Cuba, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Philippine Republic Presidential Citation, and Five Good Conduct Awards. Upon retiring from the Navy, he continued to serve the military in a civilian capacity as a Sanitary Inspector for 20 years.

He was a founding member of the San Diego County Metropolitan Lions Club, former president of the Sarrateneos of Southern California and member of Jaen, USA.

He was an avid bowler who collected many trophies in his younger days. He also enjoyed gaming at the local casinos and lately followed many Tagalog tele-series on TV. Above all, he loved family gatherings to celebrate holidays, birthdays, graduations and accomplishments.

A visitation at glen abbey main chapel for Dante will be held Wednesday, November 28, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Charles Catholic Church, 990 Saturn Blvd, San Diego, CA 92154. A committal service will occur Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GlenAbbeysandiego.com for the Villa family.