Cruz Miguel Villafuerte

Cruz Miguel “Mike” Villafuerte, beloved son, brother, friend, and life partner passed away on February 15, 2017 after a long illness. Born to Juan Daniel “Danny” and Rosalinda (Peña) Villafuerte on March 16, 1979, Mike graduated from San Benito High School in 1997. After attending Corsicana College he obtained a position of weekend assignments editor for KGBT-TV, CBS Channel 4 in Harlingen.

Mike moved to Tulsa in 2001 to accept the assignments editor position for the startup newscast of the Fox affiliate there. He left to obtain a Certificate in Event Management from George Washington University in Washington, DC. Back in Tulsa Mike developed a reputation for his skill and creative imagination in planning parties, weddings, receptions, and corporate events. Many in the Valley will remember him for his creation of the 10-year reunion for the San Benito Class of ’97.

He became actively involved with the Tulsa Young Professionals, an organization committed to community development, leadership, and outreach. In 2009, TYPROS awarded Mike special commendation for his work with the diversity and special events committees of the group.

Mike loved international travel, sampling the food and culture of different regions of the world. He found peace in the mountains of Colorado and developed a passion for paragliding over Aspen and other towns. In Tulsa, he loved to throw great parties at his home for friends and others.

All who knew him loved Mike’s never-ending smile, his friendliness and compassion, and his ability to connect with others while bringing them together. He enjoyed working with the less fortunate and making people laugh when they were sad.

Mike is preceded in death by his grandparents, Cruz and Nati Peña and Alfonso and Carmen Villafuerte. He is survived by his parents, by his loving partner of 14 years, Dr. Eric Nelson, by his sister Melissa and brother J.D., and by his cousin Alfonso “Fonzie” Villafuerte IV.

A public viewing will be held at Funeraria del Angel, 2906 South Expressway 77 & 83, Harlingen, on Tuesday, February 21, from 1-9 pm, Chaplet of the Divine Mercy will be at 6:15 pm, with recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7 pm. The funeral will be held at Queen of the Universe Church in San Benito, Wednesday, February 22 at 5:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Centers of America or to a local food bank for those less fortunate.

In Mike’s words, “We will see each other in another world. God speed. Have a vodka martini on a fabulous day to celebrate the lives we have had.”

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria del Angel, Harlingen, TX.