Israel Barrios Villanueva

Israel B. Villanueva, 91, passed peacefully in his sleep January 15th, 2025, at home in Placentia, Ca. He was born on April 7 1933 in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Teodoro & Carlota Barrios Villanueva.

Israel graduated from Sydney Lanier High School, class of 1951. Following graduation, Israel made his way to Chicago for a change of scenery but promptly realized it was too cold and decided to head out west to California. As a Line Assembler for McDonnell Douglas was what he enjoyed doing in Santa Monica. Then drafted into the US Army in June 1953 at the tail end of the Korean War, he served and reached the rank of Corporal (E4) and separated in May 1955. In 1957 he married his childhood sweetheart Lydia Villarreal and brought her out to California, in Los Angeles, he now worked for North American, as an Aerospace draftsman engineer. As the primary contractor for NASA, he worked on the Mercury, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. Also the B-1 Bomber program. As part of a team of engineers that culminated in fulfilling JFK's mandate to put a man on the moon before the end of the decade in July 1969. He then proceeded to work for Hughes Aircraft Company in Fullerton GSG, Santa Margarita ME, and El Segundo SAC, Ca. 5 years employed at the Barbara Dawson school in La Mirada. Then retiring.

In addition of his parents, he had a sister and brother both deceased, Leonor and Roberto.

He and Lydia were parents of 5 children one that died at birth, Charles, the surviving children, Charles Anthony, Arlene Marie, Raymond Edward, and Roger Alexander. 8 Grandchildren, Alexander, Toni, Lydia, Monica & Samuel, Braxton, Arianna & Joshua. 7 Great grandchildren Michael, Jace, Wyatt, Jordan, Jacob, Rosalene & Lilliana,

A graveside service will be Tuesday January 28 at 10:45 AM at the Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, Ca. 92518