Lupe Joe Villa

Lupe Joe Villa passed away suddenly and peacefully on Thursday Oct. 20 at Alexander Gardens, in Santa Barbara where he resided. Lupe was a Santa Barbara native born on Nov. 24, 1927. He lived an incredible life, full of love, while continuously surrounded by his family and friends. Meeting Lupe was always a cherished memory. From taking the school bus directly to the lemon fields in Goleta after school, to many adventures in the downtown pool halls with his four brothers, he treated his friends and family to the real life history of Santa Barbara. An expert-gardener by trade, he dedicated his life to beautifying and cultivating several estates in Montecito and Santa Barbara. He loved his family, friends, nature, mariachi, good food and making salsa. His great sense of humor, and strength both mentally and physically even while living with Parkinson’s disease, was an inspiration to all who knew Lupe. He never gave up. During his life he endured the passing of his daughter Linda, his loving wife Norma, four brothers and 2 sisters. He will be sorely missed. He is survived by his daughter Rita Villa Danchuk, (Rick), stepson Gary Pesek, (daughter Gloria, son Justin) grandchildren, Parissa & Jaleh Ebrahimi, Alanna & Zach Gones, many nieces and nephews and brother and sister in laws. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Santa Barbara, 2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite 100, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. For funeral information contact Welch-Ryce-Haider at 805-965-5145 or visit www.wrhsb.com.