Joe Candelario Villa

Joe Candelario Villa, of De Kalb, Ill., passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Joe was born in Artesia, New Mexico on March 16, 1946, a son of Nemesio Villa Sr. and Hejesipa (Granado) Villa.

As a young boy, Joe joined his brothers and sisters assisting in his father's farming tasks.  After high school, Joe travelled some before moving to the Chicago area to start his career.  He enjoyed meeting and creating many relationships throughout his adult life. The last 20 years Joe settled in the DeKalb – Sycamore area joining his partner, Warren Lowe in an array of humanitarian and educational adventures.  Joe had the pleasure of travelling to several continents and learning more about volunteerism and discovering various world cultures.  Most recently, he treasured the opportunity he had to visit the Holy Land with others cementing his spirituality. He volunteered for several local organizations, as well, and was a steadfast friend and assistant for his fellow residents at Barb City Manor.  He was raised Catholic and maintained many of these traditions.  Most recently he was a devoted member at the Sycamore United Methodist Church where his dedication to Christ was apparent in his constant involvement with many parish and mission activities.  He was grateful to serve in any capacity including assisting in meal preparation and serving, and gathering and delivering supplies to local and national non-profits.  He helped to organize many events for the SUMC Men's Club and other church committees.  He made it his mission to serve through Christian compassion.  Joe was ever grateful for the love and support he received from the church community and his Barb City Manor family.  Joe was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan and would often call friends to talk about the games.

Joe is survived by his brother Benny Villa, sisters Janie Dominguez, Mary Hernandez and Emily Diaz, his many beloved nieces and nephews, his extended family through his relationship with Warren and his many friends in the community.  Preceding Joe in death are his parents, his brothers, Nemesio Villa, Jr. and Francisco "Frank" Granado Villa.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday November 10, 2023, at 11:00am at the Sycamore United Methodist Church with Pastor Luis Reyes officiating. Visitation will be held on November 10, 2023, at 10:00am till the time of the service at the church. Cremation will follow the services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the, Our Lady of Grace in Artesia, NM., or to the Sycamore United Methodist Church for Foreign Missions. Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 815-758-3841.

For those unable to attend the service, it will be live streamed on the following sites:

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