Avel Villanueva was both a survivor and rescuer. Working for Sun Microsystems in Tower 2, Avel ushered others out of the building and only after checking all the vast areas of both the 25th & 26th floors, exited himself. Moments later the other tower was under attack. Thanks to his heroic actions, hundreds lived to see another day. Avel passed away October 2, age 63, as a result of the toxic exposure which brought about the cancer which claimed his earthly life - but his spirit lives on. We will ever honor and remember him, and lift up his family with prayers of comfort during these days of sorrows.
Memorial Courtesy 9/11 Rescue Workers & Friends Forum
OBIT: Avel Villanueva also known to his family as (Pichy). He was 63 years old when he passed away. He lived all of his life in New York City. He passed away on October 2nd, 2020. He died in his home on his bed, with his brother Noel by his side. His life was cut short by cancer which he most likely received saving over 200 lives during the attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11.
Avel was born April 29th 1957 to Jose and Norma Villanueva. He had two brothers, Jose Villanueva Jr and Noel Villanueva. He graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School. He worked for Xerox and Sun Microsystems for most of his adult life. As a young man he loved to play racquetball and handball. He is a recovered alcoholic who was sober for over 30 years.
He is survived by his four children, Avel Jose Villanueva (age 39), Melanie Villanueva, (age 36) David Villanueva (age 35) and Wynn Villanueva (age 33) . He has four grandchildren and a fifth on the way that he will unfortunately never get to meet. Madison, Lee, Anayalis, Nathaniel and Aliana.
My Hero
He was always there for me
He was my hero
He never let me down
He was my hero
He seemed immortal
He was my hero
He never walked away
He was my hero
He used to take my hand
He was my hero
He always listened
He was my hero
He inspired me to always try
He was my hero
He was intelligent
He was my hero
He was curious about the world
He was my hero
He taught me about life
He was my hero
He was kind and giving
He was my hero
He loved to laugh
He was my hero
He always took care of me
He was my hero
He was strong and handsome
He was my hero
He taught me right from wrong
He was my hero
He had integrity
He was my hero
He stood in the light
He was my hero
He was my father
By Barbara R Maxwell Jul 2019
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