Samuel L. Villavicencio

Samuel L. Villavicencio of Cypress, California passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 8, 2013. Born to the late Sam and Anna Villavicencio on October 19, 1926 in Los Angeles, California.

Truly a member of the greatest generation. He was raised in a time when extended families lived together through the depression that solidified a work ethic, character and personal responsibility. He attended Woodcrest Elementary and Bret Hare Junior High School in Los Angeles and graduated from George Washington High School in 1944. He enlisted in the Navy at age 17 to proudly serve his country engaged in a World War. He was assigned to his service duty unit CASU12 where he served in the Pacific. He continued his service during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge in 1952. Upon his return he continued his education earning a Bachelor Degree in Business in Mexico City, where he met his wife of 57 years, Irma. Sam was employed by the General Electric Company, for whom he worked for 38 years as one of its most successful salesman in the nation. Rewarded for his services as a salesman, Sam and Irma traveled to Europe and the Orient. Sam and Irma made their home in Cypress for 50 years raising their children. Upon his retirement in 1993 his time was occupied with annual trips to Cancún and fishing in the Sierras. He most enjoyed growing chili peppers in his garden and taking his beloved dog Pancho for long walks.

Sam is survived by his beautiful wife, Irma and their children. He was extremely proud of his son Sam, of Camarillo, and wife Karen and their children Tony and Angela; his son Rick, from Riverside, and wife Dawn and their children Daulton, Dawson and Dylan; and his daughter Gina Villavicencio-Estep, of San Diego, and husband Guy Estep and their children Nico, Mia and Matteo. He is also survived by his brothers Richard and Edward of Ventura; and his beloved dog Pancho of 18 years. Sam celebrated the births of his grandchildren and watched their growth with great joy. He was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to all.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Gerinet Healthcare Hospice for their support in his final days.

Visitation/vigil will be from 5:00 to 9:00PM at Church of Our Fathers Forrest Lawn Cypress on Tuesday, December 17. Funeral mass for Sam will be at St Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress on December 18 at 8:30AM. Reception to follow. Sam will be laid to rest at the Riverside National Cemetery on December 19.