Ernest J. Villa

VILLA, Ernest J.

Ernest J. Villa, also known as, Ernie, 88 of Whittier/Montebello, Ca, passed away on December 22, 2012 at his daughter's home (Patsy) in Lakewood with support of hospice, after suffering from Colon Cancer. He was born February 14, 1924 in Montebello, Ca, the son of Jay & Eva Villa of Montebello. Mr. Villa was a graduate of Montebello High School in 1943 and was recognized for his baseball abilities and cross country track, he was also known as "Grayhound" because he ran fast. Ernie played lots of baseball, playing for the Simmon's Brickyard Company and for various ball teams throughout his life-time. In December 27, 1943 he served in the United States Navy as a Coxswain during the World War II and Korean War. He was honorably discharged April 4, 1946. He worked for US Rubber, Revere Copper and Brass as a Crane Operator, then worked for the US Postal Mail Bulk Center in the Maintenance Dept. While working for the postal department, he fast pitched the postal baseball team, they called him, "the 'ol man." Ernie retired from the US Postal
Department May of 1989. The summer of 1989, him and Sally moved from their long time residence on Spruce St., South Side Montebello, Ca. to Whittier, Ca. During his retirement he continued to serve as an Usher for St. Benedict's Church in Montebello until he could no longer drive. He enjoyed caring for his wife, loving his family, friends, home, loved his outings going fishing and later in life enjoyed watching cowboy movies. Ernie was a sport enthusiast of the Dodgers and Yankees. His family was his first love. He is proceeded in death by his wife, Sally Villa; his sister Elenor and brother Tony Villa. He is survived by his children Priscilla Tovar and her husband Daniel of San Dimas, CA; Enrie Villa of Montebello, CA; Steve Villa of Whittier, CA; Jerry Villa and his wife Ana Marie of Desert Hot Springs, CA; Patsy (Pat Villa) Chavarria and her husband Eliseo (Alvie) of Lakewood, CA. He dearly loved his seventeen attentive grandchildren: Ralph Yzabal, Paul Yzabal his wife Nadine, Michele Adams her husband Micheael, Judy Polkinghorn her husband Michael, Cheryl Davis her husband Keith, Lauren Rierra her husband Val, Lisa Villa, JoAnn Villa-Martinez her husband Bernie, Rick Villa, Micheal Villa and his wife, Eric Munoz, Melissa Perez and her husband Tony, David Villa and his wife Natalie, Paul Villa, Cheslea, Charli and Jackson Chavarria. He also had twenty eight great-grandchildren Ashley, Allison Yzabal, Miranda and Valerie Yzabal, Natalie, Andrew and Isaac Adams, James and Josh Polkinghorn, Alicia and Tyler Davis, Isabella Rierra, Jacob, Patrick and Brandon Contreras, Jonathan, Jayden, Jeremiah, and Josh Martinez, Samantha and Andrew Villa, one boy and girl Villa, Eric Munoz, Briana and Anthony Perez, and Jacob-Santino and Daisy Villa with one great-great-grandchild, Amira. Ernie was also survived by two sisters, Marge Cryan of La Mirada and Loretta Fruend and her husband Howard DeMar of Costa Mesa. He also had many cousins from the San Fernando Valley, down to Vista and many nieces and nephews that he was god-children to.
Family and friends may be received in the Del Angel Mortuary, 913 W. Whittier Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640 on Wednesday, January 2nd for viewing from 5-9 p.m. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. The funeral/burial will be Thursday, January 3rd, 10:30 a.m., St. Benedict's 1022 W. Cleveland Ave., Montebello, CA 90640, he will then be interred in to Resurrection Cemetary, 966 Potrero Grande Dr., Monterey Park, CA 91755. We invite family and friends to continue his celebration of life at the Pio Pico Women Club, 9214 Mines Ave., Pico Rivera, CA. Please bring a favorite picture you might have of my dad (and mom) to post on a poster board. Any questions, please do not hesitate to call his daughter, Patsy at 562-355-3299, send cards to 11521 Gradwell St, Lakewood, CA 90715-2029.