Eric P. Villa

Eric Phillip Villa, son of Irene Villa (née Mendez) and Ben Villa, and beloved husband of Melissa Villa (née Niemer), died at home at the age of 66 on January 6, 2026. Born on February 9, 1959, in Detroit, he was one of seven children, brother to Anita Villa, Cindy (Tom) Trudell, Ben "Teddy" (Vicky) Villa, Denice Villa, Monica (Dave) Boswell, and Christopher (Leslie) Villa. Eric was a loving father to Erica, Andrea, Kyle, and bonus kids Kyle (Courtney) Mobley and Bob Spivey. He was uncle to 18 nieces and nephews and one grandnephew.

Eric and Melissa married in 2010, having met years before when they both worked at Beaumont Hospital. Eric spent his career caring for others as an ER and traveling nurse, although given his passion for arguing, he always thought he should have become a lawyer.

Eric loved to take trips with his family, spending lots of time enjoying the seasons throughout Michigan. He was drawn to the scenery of the Western states and loved the Vegas and Red Rocks area.

In addition to his smile, which lit up a room, one of Eric's most defining traits was his passion for cycling. Even while navigating his cancer treatments, he found a way to keep pedaling.

In death, Eric has been reunited with his mother, father, his brother, Teddy, his brother-in-law, Tom, his daughter, Andrea, and his son, Kyle.

Friends and family are welcome to pay their respects at a celebration of Eric's life on January 11, 2026, at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home at 705 W. 11 Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067. Close family will have a private viewing from noon-1 p.m. and friends and extended family are welcome from 1 to 4 p.m., with the opportunity to share memories at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to causes that were important to Eric are appreciated by the family: mental health and addiction support, head and neck cancer, and breast cancer.

Please share a memory at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com.