John Edward Villanueva

John Edward Villanueva, 77, died suddenly of an aortic aneurysm in Syracuse on Tuesday, November 9th, 2021. His smile and spirit will be sorely missed.
John was born to George and Dolores Villanueva in San Francisco on October 17, 1944, into a large, loving family. An industrious hustler (and occasional troublemaker), his first gig was shining shoes in North Beach, California at 5 years old. As a young man, he worked as a barber, a baker, actor, and could easily be described as a "true blue hippy."
A friend offered John a job to go on tour supporting a band called Santana. He said yes and quickly developed a skill and passion for touring, and wound up on stage with them at Woodstock. With his brother, Jackie (AKA Dr. Brown) and best friend, Herbie Herbert, they were the three amigos. John toured with acts like Journey, Page and Plant, Billy Joel and Elton John, Kitaro, and many more. John even gave the band Journey its name while helping them get started.
John lived on his boat in the Bay Area until 2000, when he and his soulmate, Ann Cassidy moved to a Hawaiian paradise on the Big Island. John took great pride in renovating a coffee farm, where he grew and harvested Kona coffee. In December of 2017, they gave it all up to move to Syracuse to live closer to Ann's family.
During his touring years, John traveled the world, feeling an especially strong bond to Japan. At home in Central New York, he loved spending time with his extended family, particularly at the camp on Tully Lake.
John was a caring, generous, positive gentleman of "quiet strength, and calm nature." Along with music, he loved good food, cooking, the arts, and scenic drives to view waterfalls with his brother-in-law Tommy. John always loved to share great stories and experiences from his youth and travels, and was an avid Syracuse basketball fan, San Francisco Giants, and Eddie DeBartolo-era 49ers fan. He believed in Tibetan Buddhism, equality, and love.
John is predeceased by his parents; brothers, Georgie Villanueva, Dickie Villanueva, Bobby Villanueva, and Jackie Villanueva; his sister-in-law, Barbara, his niece, Holly Katko. John's long-time friend and partner, Herbie Herbert passed away just two weeks prior to John. He is survived by his loving wife, Ann Cassidy; his brothers, Vincent (Silvia) Villanueva, Carlos Villanueva; sister, Lita Villanueva; in-laws, Suzanne (Andrew) Katko, Bill Cassidy, Tommy Cassidy, Mary Cassidy, Christine (Matt Warshal) Cassidy; and nieces and nephews.
A private service for the family will be held at Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to PBS, or simply make the world better through random acts of kindness.
John was and will always be a beautiful soul. His natural kindness and interest in everyone has touched us all deeply.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Nov. 12 to Nov. 14, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Villanueva

Sponsored by Edward J. Ryan & Son Funeral Home - Syracuse.

6 Entries

Mary Anne Zamarripa

December 28, 2024

Johnny was my First Love (17yo and 19yo). As a first and young love, I can´t say that I loved anyone more than I had loved Johnny. I first saw him at Ott´s and that was it for me! We were together for four and half years. As I read the article, published by the San Francisco Chronicle, I smiled and nodded. ALL TRUE!
Johnny was all that and more. Everyone we knew simply loved him. He was so kind, sensitive, open, accepting yet intense and driven, in his very effective and quiet way.
Johnny comes into my thoughts, even after all these decades, not infrequently. Johnny left a lasting imprint on everyone that had the pleasure and honor to meet him. You are Loved and Missed, Johnny.
My condolences to Ann, his wife, and to Johnny´s family.

Luana Joslin-Lester

November 8, 2022

Hey John, it has been almost a year since you passed away. Unfortunately I still haven´t gotten to Syracuse. Doctor says I can´t travel for a while "old peoples health issues" but I will get back to Ann at some point. I miss you always and wish I had more of our pictures as kids. I think of you and Jackie often. We had good times as kids. Hopefully you are having a great time with Herbie and Jackie in heaven, keep an eye on our friends that are hoping to see you again someday. In the meantime you remain in my prayers. I hope to see Ann this year. Say hi to all our friends who are up there with you. Lulie

Ed Mullis

August 16, 2022

I met John back in the "Journey" days when I was employed by Nocturne Productions in Oakland & SF. I have thought of John many times over the years. I just learned of his passing. Im so sorry for the family's loss. He was always a gentleman, kind, easy to talk to and it was always a pleasure to be in his company. My sincerest heart felt condolences.

Luana Joslin-Lester

June 7, 2022

Johnny and I were sister and brother, twins and best friends growing up. We were born 3 weeks apart and our moms put us in the same crib so people thought we were twins. This happened all the time we were growing up. We were always buddies. We fought like siblings. We respected each other and protected each other. He will always be my brother. When he moved to Hawaii I went to visit John and his wife. When he picked me at the airport the porter asked us if we were brother and sister . We both said yes at the same time. Another baggage person asked us if we were twins. We immediately said yes and smiled at each other. We shared secrets and got into trouble together. We grew apart when I went off to college. But mentally and spiritually we were always brother and sister. I am writing this months after he left us. I will miss him the rest of my life. He protected me against unwanted suitors . I got better looking as I grew up. My mom like him better than me. I adored his mom. he will always be with me. I will see you in heaven or wherever we both end up. You will always be my brother , my twin. Lulie

jeff baxter

December 13, 2021

when I first had the opportunity to meet Journey I was only 15 years old. I flew by myself to Houston to meet the band. There was a guy who happened to notice this scared kid with his backstage pass on. He stopped to ask me my name and immediately knew who I was. That gentleman was John V. He took responsibility for me for the remaining shows of that tour that I was invited to see and all the other tours over the years. He has been my friend for almost 40 years. Words can not express how much I will miss him. He is gone from this earth, but he is still and always be my brother and I miss him tremendously.

Gregg Young

December 1, 2021

Jackie & Johnny - Jackie was part of our road crew (Womb) early San Francisco. Herbie & Johnny were friends & fellow Music industry brothers. Whenever our paths crossed, we picked up where we left off, even if had been a decade in between. Good Vibes People! A piece of me is missing... God Bless!

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