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BORN

1963

DIED

2010

Gerard Villarreal Obituary

It is with great sadness the family of Gerard H. Villarreal announces his passing November 15, 2010 in Hemet, CA, at the age of 46. He was born in Los Angeles, CA on November 25, 1963, and grew up in Torrance. He graduated from Saint Philomena Elementary School where he served as an altar boy, Bishop Montgomery High School (1981), and attended Loyola Marymount University (1981-83), and was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. He had a zest for life! He loved to surf, run ski and was on the high school track and field team. He enjoyed music, riding his Vespa scooter and dancing to his favorite bands. In his childhood years he liked skate boarding and tinkering in the garage. Gerard had many challenges in his life, overcoming two accidents at age 20, which resulted in a head injury and left him disabled. During his rehabilitation years he enjoyed painting, crafts, watching videos and typing letters to loved ones. He is survived by his brother, David Villarreal; sister, Cecilia (Dennis) Tobin; sister, Lourdes Villarreal; nephews, Joshua, Christopher, Jacob, Zachary, Andrew; nieces, Monika, Gabriela, Sarah, Yvette, Emily; many uncles, aunts, cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marcelina Villarreal, sister, Marcela Villarreal and father, David E. Villarreal. A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery (mortuary chapel) in Culver City. Interment following. Gerard truly enjoyed being surrounded by his family and friends. He will be greatly missed! Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Breeze on Nov. 24, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerard Villarreal

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Mario Artavia

December 5, 2010

My condolences go out to Gerard's family and friends. I attended St. Philomena, Bishop Montgomery and LMU, all just three years behind him. I even pledged the same fraternity he did at LMU, Delta Sigma Phi.

Peace and YITBOS, Gerard.

Mario Artavia

December 5, 2010

My condolences to all of Gerard's friends and family. I attended St. Philomena, Bishop Montgomery and LMU, all just three years behind him. I even pledged the same fraternity he did at LMU, Delta Sigma Phi.

Peace and YITBOS, Gerard.

Andrew Baca

December 5, 2010

I remember sitting in a large auditorium the summer before starting college to take a math placement exam when in rolled an 18 year old Bart Simpson character on a skateboard. He may have been wearing a kilt. Flaming red hair and a pony tail. I thought to myself, I hope that punk isn't going to be my dorm roommate. He moved in across the hall. We became great friends and fraternity brothers. He was the type of person that would brighten any room he walked in. Fun, smart, happy, kind, just an all round great guy. We lost touch when I left California but I have thought of him often. A special guy that really made me a better person.

Gayle Sakaguchi, BMHS '81

December 3, 2010

Always remembered, never forgotten.

Stacy Quirarte

December 3, 2010

Both Mike (St Philomena) and I (BMHS) are saddened about Gerard's passing. Our prayers are with his family. May Gob bless you.

Stacy Quirarte

Susie Kavanaugh

December 3, 2010

I have thought of Gerard many times over the years though we lost touch after college. He faced his challenges with such courage and I remember his determination to do all he could for himself after his accidents. He was such an upbeat, energetic and "bright" guy, in the very best sense. I hope he and his family who loved and cared for him are at peace. May God bless you all and May God bless Gerard and hold him close.
Susie (Filce) Kavanaugh, BMHS '81, LMU '85

Paul Gibson

December 2, 2010

I knew Gerard at Bishop (in a religion class) and Loyola (in my wing at Whelan Hall dormitory). Great, enthusiastic, positive guy who accepted all and got after things. I often remember how he got Black Flag to come to Whelan's rec room--Gerard in kilts and getting kind of a mosh pit going with people who did not knw what was going on. grieve well for a great loss, but remember we are resurrection people, so the story in the end is a happy one as the sun breaks through the clouds here in Oregon, courtesy of Gerard. Free at last, Free at last, thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!

Caren Salas

November 27, 2010

I'm sorry to hear about Gerard. I'll be praying for healing and comfort for his family and those close to him.
Caren (Robinson) Salas & Family

November 27, 2010

Dear David, Cecilia and Lourdes,

We are so sorry to hear about Gerard . Our prayers and condolences go out to your family.
May God bless your family !
The Torres Family (St.Philomena )
Connie Torres, Lori Farkas, Monica Ahle , Barbara Torres, and Jeanette Lobato

Alice (Lopez) Takamiyashiro

November 26, 2010

Dear Ceci, Lourdes & David,

I am so sad to hear of Gerard's passing... And I'm sorry for all the challenges he faced during his lifetime. He endured so much, but he is finally free. Ceci, I still remember him, a young teenager, dancing around at your wedding. That was a great day... Find comfort in all the wonderful and loving memories you have of him. You know the Villarreal family has always held a special place in my heart. Love and sympathy from my family to yours. God bless,

November 25, 2010

Dear David, Ceci, and Lourdes,

I remember working with Gerard at the Alpine Market.
He was always so happy and fun loving and made being at work so much fun. I especially recall his love of music and KROQ.

My prayers are with all of you whom he loved so much,

Nari Rotter Weller

Jennie Perez

November 25, 2010

Dear Ceci,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family this is Jennie Jr. we worked at Alpine village so many years ago although I never met your brother I know the pain in losing a brother my brother passed away 16 yrs ago and the sadness is still there, my Mom Jennie sends you her love.

November 24, 2010

I remember Gerard & his family when I was working at the Boy's Market.He was always very friendly & sweet,My thoughts & prayers are with the family & friends.
from Ginger Larmon, Torrance,CA

November 24, 2010

Dearest Lourdes,Ceci,and David,
My heart goes out to each of you. Even though we know Gerard is in a better place, especially with your parents, I know the hurt and pain is unbearable. I remember the times we went out and played...:) and I will always treasure those good times. I do believe he is at peace with Our Lord, and I wish you comfort and God's blessings always.
Love you always,
Aurora & Ryan

Michele Calvillo McCutcheon

November 24, 2010

My prayers and condolences to his family. I remember him well from High School. He was a happy and fun guy to be around. I will always remember his big smile. Michele...BMHS Class of '81

November 24, 2010

My prayers and sympathies to Gerard's family and friends. He was always friendly and polite and I have nothing but great memories of his friendship and smile.

Cecilia Pina
Bishop Montgomery High School,
Class of '81

Stephen van Ingen

November 24, 2010

Although I didn't know him too well, I do remember Gerard from High School. He seemed like a very nice person. My condolences to his family.

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