Benjamin "Hideo" Villanueva

Mr. Benjamin "Hideo" Villanueva passed away on August 28, 2021 at Keck Hospital of USC. He had valiantly fought for recovery. His strength, energy and joy of life were wonderous. He was born on October 7, 1936 in Hilo Hawaii where his formative years were spent with his parents, brothers and sisters. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1956 and served his country for 24 years. He was decorated with numerous medals and awards which include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Expert Marksman Award, Air Force Expeditionary Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

While in the Air Force he met and married the love of his life, Michiko Sakata. He and his wife devoted their lives to raising their daughter Jocelyn 'Hiroko', an amazing journey with many chapters. After his retirement from the United States Air Force, he dedicated himself to Civil Service for NASA Contractors for more than 25 years. He loved and cherished his time with his family, friends and manicuring his juniper bonsais. He treasured the summers and holidays with his grandchildren. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying all athletics. He traveled the world for the perfect fisherman's oasis. He earned his Black Belt in Karate and played competitive volleyball for the United States Air Force for more than 10 years during which there were numerous championship titles. He later transitioned to golfing on picturesque courses.

He is preceded in death by his parents Teodoro and Agatona Villanueva; his sister Victoria Villanueva Abasial; his brothers Kalvin 'Muso' Villanueva, Leoncio 'Toy' Villanueva, and Francis Aquinaldo; his nieces Denise Abasial and Candace 'Candy' Hasci Connin; his nephews Wayne Aquinaldo and Robert Abasial; and his compadres Rudolpho Orlando and Corina Pedraza Zarate. Those remaining to share his stories and legacy are his wife of 51 years Michiko Villanueva; his daughter Jocelyn 'Hiroko' Villanueva Zarate; his son-in-law Rudolfo 'Rudy' Pedraza Zarate; his beloved grandchilden Corina Michiko Villanueva Zarate and Rudolfo 'Baby Rudy' Villanueva Zarate. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Teodoro 'Ted' and Lee Villanueva of Lakewood, WA; his sister Pacita Villanueva Oasay of San Francisco, CA ; his sister and brother-in-law Norma 'Hacsi' and Peter Hacsi of Kula, Maui, HI; and numerous ever loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that he adored. His kindness and smile will be missed but his perpetual energy and love of life will be eternal.