Abelardo “Ruco” A. Villarreal was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1936. He entered into eternal rest on August 5, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, hard work, and music.
Abelardo married his beloved wife, Anita A. Villarreal, in 1974. Together, they built a loving family and shared many cherished years before her passing in 2004.
A master welder by trade, Abelardo took great pride in his work and was admired for his skill, dedication, and craftsmanship.
Music was truly one of Abelardo’s greatest passions and accomplishments. He was a successful musician and recording artist who became well known and respected throughout the Tejano music community. Over the years, he created and recorded numerous albums of his own music, leaving behind a body of work that reflected his incredible talent and love for music. His music allowed him to connect with countless people and establish a lasting presence within the Tejano community. For Abelardo, music was more than a talent—it was a part of who he was, and his recordings will continue to preserve his voice, passion, and musical legacy for generations to come.
Abelardo is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Olga Villarreal, Nena Villarreal, Rita Orozco, Rose Lara, and Helen Herrera; his son, Abel “BB” Villarreal; and his siblings, Guadalupe Villarreal, Elpidio Villarreal, Arturo Villarreal, Alberto Villarreal, Panchito Villarreal, and Rita Barrientes.
He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends, who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anita A. Villarreal; his son, Francisco “Kiko” Villarreal; and his parents, Francisco Villarreal and Elena A. Villarreal.
Abelardo will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his remarkable talent as a master welder and musician, and most of all, the love he had for his family. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will continue to live on through the many lives he touched and the family he leaves behind.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino Funeral Home, 226 Cupples Road, San Antonio, Texas 78237. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.
The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception, 314 Merida Street, San Antonio, Texas 78207. Friends and family are kindly asked to travel to the church on their own, as there will be no formal procession from the funeral home.
Following the Mass, the Rite of Committal will take place at San Fernando Cemetery II, 746 Castroville Road, San Antonio, Texas 78237. Family and friends are also asked to proceed to the cemetery on their own, as there will be no formal procession. Route maps to the cemetery will be provided by the funeral home.
