Obituary of Danilo "Dada" S. Villanueva

Danilo “Dada” Villanueva, 80, of Staten Island, New York, passed away peacefully at home on March 18, 2022; the beloved husband of Eden Oliveros Villanueva of 57 years. He was the beloved son of the late Eladio and Remigia Villanueva. Danilo was the dear brother of Remigia (“Mely”), Helen, Nelia, Alice and the late Eladio Jr. He was the loving father of his son, Dennis Villanueva and his wife Editha Santiago-Villanueva daughters, Dina Villanueva-Burgos and her husband Peter Burgos, Dorene Villanueva Mendoza and her husband Jose Maria (“Jay”) Mendoza. He was the devoted grandfather of Dannielle Evie, Darren Edan, Danica Elise, Diana Isabella, Dustin Bryan, Mary Stephanie, Mary Jodene and Mary Samantha Danilo “Dada” Villanueva was born and raised in Taytay Rizal, Philippines. He attended Taytay Elementary School and Juan Sumulong High School. As an alumni, he continuously assisted and donated to the school together with his fellow classmates. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT). He began working at the Department of Fisheries, then proceeded to work at the Central Bank of the Philippines for over 20 years. Next, he took over the family construction business when his father died. In 2006, he immigrated to New York, and became a full-time babysitter for his grandchildren. Danilo deeply loved and appreciated all of his grandchildren, and enjoyed completing tasks for them such as cooking, and chauffeuring to school, doctor’s appointments and after-school activities. He loved to cook as much as he enjoyed eating at buffet restaurants. In his free time, he enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing board games, reading newspapers and watching the Philippine news, especially the senate hearings. He enjoyed attending the senior center and playing cards with the boys. Danilo was a simple man; he was extremely kind and was cognizant of everyone’s feelings, not wanting to be a trouble to anyone. He was a devout Catholic and a dedicated parishioner of St. Rita’s Church in Staten Island, New York. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home Inc., 2508 Victory Blvd. on Saturday, 3/26/2022, departing at 9:15 AM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Rita’s R.C. Church at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow in Fairview Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Thursday, 3/24/2022 and Friday, 3/25/2022 from 4:00 to 9:00 PM.