Jose D. Villa, 98, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at D’Youville Senior Health Care Center in Lowell. He was the beloved husband of the late Maria Lucia (Castro) Villa. Together, they shared more than 70 years of marriage before her passing earlier this year.
Born in Medellín, Colombia on September 26, 1926, he was the son of the late Remigio Villa and the late Anna Rita (Alvarez) Villa. Jose spent the first 48 years of his life in Colombia before immigrating to the United States in 1974. He initially settled in Lowell and also spent time in New York, though Lowell remained his home for most of the past 50 years.
Jose found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially music. The classical sounds of Colombia filled his heart with happiness and connected him to his roots. A dedicated and hardworking man, he held several jobs over the years, including as a prep cook and dishwasher at the Ground Round in Chelmsford, in maintenance at the Holiday Inn in Tewksbury, and as an assistant at Wannalancit Mills and Joan Fabrics.
Above all, Jose was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He leaves behind his seven children: Horacio Villa of Colombia, Edilma Osorno and her husband Alejandrino of Lowell and Colombia, Beatriz Villa of Colombia, Eunice Villa Castro of Lowell, Alonso Villa of Colombia, Fernando Villa of Florida, and Elkuin Villa of Lowell. He was a proud grandfather to fifteen grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Jose was the last of his generation, predeceased by his twelve siblings. His life was a testament to resilience, devotion, and quiet strength, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
You are welcome to attend his visitation on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 9 am until 11am at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852.
His funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 11am followed by procession to the Edson Cemetery.