Pablo Villarreal, Jr.

BROWNSVILLE, TX. – Pablo Villarreal, Jr. entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, the 9th of March 2022 at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Brownsville, Texas. He was seventy-eight years of age.

Pablo was born in Olmito, Texas on December 15, 1943, son of Pablo Villarreal, Sr. and Antonia Sauceda. He attended Brownsville public schools, Saint Joseph Academy, and graduated from Brownsville High School Class of 1965. Pablo went on to serve in the United States Army from August 26, 1966 to June 5, 1968 and was deployed to Viet Nam with the 69th Engineer Battalion.

Upon returning from the service, Pablo attended Texas Southmost College in Brownsville, graduating in 1974 with his Associate’s Degree. Later that year, Pablo married Graciela Lopez on the 15th of June 1974 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Brownsville. Together, Pablo and Gracie had their four children: J.P., Vanessa Yvette, Mark Anthony, and Cynthia Yvonne. He continued his education at Pan American University in Edinburg where he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976.

Pablo first began working in various construction job sites. He went on to instructing student drivers as a driver’s education teacher before beginning his career with the Brownsville Independent School District. Pablo was a Special Education paraprofessional at Central Junior High where he also coached Special Olympics and the Central Rams football team. He then began coaching the Porter girls’ volleyball and track teams and taught American History at Gladys Porter High School until his retirement after thirty-four years of educating a multitude of Brownsville youth. Pablo also assisted in coaching his children’s little league and kickball teams.

Aside from his outstanding career in education, Pablo was a dedicated member and the current Commander of the John Hanson American Legion Post 43 of Brownsville, Texas. He was also a member and officer of the Southmost Veterans’ Parade Committee.

As a sports fanatic, Pablo was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan and loved watching the Sunday football games at home with his family. He also enjoyed watching the New York Yankees play baseball.

Traveling and vacationing with his wife and his family brought Pablo so much joy. They made several trips to sightsee around San Antonio, sailed on cruises to the Bahamas, explored Disney World and Disneyland, enjoyed Fall Foliage trips, and visited four of the Hawaiian Islands.

Preceding Pablo in death were his parents, Pablo Villarreal Sr. and Antonia Sauceda; his baby brother, Pedro Villarreal; his brother, Gualberto Villarreal; and his sister, Delia Villafranco.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of forty-seven years, Graciela “Gracie” Lopez Villarreal; his children J.P. Villarreal, Vanessa Yvette Villarreal, Mark Anthony Villarreal, and Cynthia Yvonne Gonzales (Eric); five grandchildren Joshua Alexander Villarreal, Alexis Gianna Villarreal, Sofia Isabella Gonzales, Abigail Riley Villarreal, and Ezekiel Elliott Gonzales; his brother, Saul Villarreal; and his sister, Elida Contreras, in addition to numerous extended family members, comrades, and a host of friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, the 14th of March 2022 between the hours of two o’clock in the afternoon and nine o’clock at night, with a recitation of the holy rosary to begin at seven o’clock Monday evening within the East Chapel of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home. The American Legion Post 43 Honor Guard will be present from six to seven o’clock.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at two o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 15th of March 2022 at St. Luke Catholic Church, 2800 Rockwell Drive, Brownsville. Committal services with military honors will then follow, via an escorted procession, at Buena Vista Burial Park Mausoleum, 5 McDavitt Boulevard, Brownsville.

As a tribute to his love of the Dallas Cowboys, we ask that you please wear “Cowboy Blue” to the funeral.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are J.P. Villarreal, Mark Anthony Villarreal, Joshua Alexander Villarreal, Eric Gonzales, Jesus Galvan, and Humberto Cavazos.

Honorary pallbearers are Alexis Villarreal, Sofia Gonzales, Abigail Villarreal, and Zeke Gonzales.

Memories of Pablo may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.