Dimas Villarreal

Dimas was born June 13, 1951 in McAllen, TX. to Antonio and Lázara Villarreal. His childhood consisted of working at the early age of 3. He worked alongside his family picking what each season would bring—everything from cotton, to strawberries, to tomatoes, etc. Traveling for their work, he and his family went to several parts of Texas and California. He also shined shoes in downtown McAllen as a young boy and well into his early teens alongside his brother, David.

Dimas graduated from McAllen High School in 1970, and it was there where he met and fell in love with his soulmate, Aida Lee Perez. He and Aida married on October 14, 1977, and resided in McAllen, TX.

Shortly after graduating, Dimas attended Pan American University and was studying to be an electrician. While in college, he worked three jobs at Globe Supermarket, M. Rivas, and Southwestern Bell (later known as AT&T) as a telephone operator. While at AT&T, he was promoted to lineman, cable locator, and later a cable splicer in which he retired after thirty-three and a half years with the company.

Dimas had many talents, hobbies and special interests. Although he could not read music, he could perfectly tune and play a variety of instruments using only his ears. He enjoyed singing, playing the violin, trumpet, accordion, and guitar. There was never a dull moment in the Villarreal household. If it was too quiet, He would pick up an instrument and gather his family around to listen as he would serenade his wife or simply play for a friend who was visiting.

Dimas was also a very religious man who regularly attended Sunday mass. As an avid parishioner at St. Joseph the Worker and later at Our Lady of Perpetual Help he helped serve his parishes in any way he could. He also prided himself on many selfless acts. He would always say “I’ve got one hand for me, and another hand to give”. Whether it was helping neighbors cut their yard at no charge, giving rides to strangers on the road walking with groceries, barbecuing for the church, or feeding the hungry, he was always eager and fortunate to give back to his community.

Dimas enjoyed hands-on work including self-taught carpentry—so much so that when the opportunity presented itself, he took it upon his own liberty and made a promise to God that he’d shave his beard once he completed building the house of his dreams for his family. It took him nearly eight years from start to finish; but, he vigorously and tirelessly worked to accomplish his dream and his promise to the Lord.

Dimas was known for his love, humor, laughter, selfless acts, simple lifestyle, baby blue eyes and his contagious smile. He loved practical jokes, long conversations, and telling stories that often resulted in life lessons. He was also awarded with a trophy and a lifetime achievement award by his family that he cherished deeply when he fulfilled his promise to God.

Dimas is survived by his wife, Aida L. Perez Villarreal, his 4 children, Dimas A. “Tony,” Dayna Gaitán (Daniel), Desi L. (Sandra), and Dylielah L. Treviño (Rene). He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren: Matthew and Nathaniel Gaitán, Diego, Dylan and Dante Villarreal, and Vanellope Treviño. Dimas is also survived by his siblings: Estela Gamboa, Joel Vidal Villarreal, María de la Paz Mena, David Villarreal (Amelia), and Minerva Ibarra (Ignacio).

Dimas is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Lázara Villarreal (Treviño). He was also preceded in death by his brothers: Ciro, Demetrio, José Ignacio, Quirino, and Antonio Villarreal Jr. and sisters: Santos Villarreal and Elva Zavala.

He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, brother, and brother-in-law with a beautiful soul and fiery spirit that served to strengthen everyone who crossed his path.

The Villarreal family would like to thank everyone for all the kind words, food, and prayers in our recent loss. We would also like to thank all Dimas’s physicians, nurses, therapists, and staff for the excellent care which he received, especially Dr. Ernesto Treviño, Home Care Dimensions, Fire EMS, and Solara Specialty Hospitals.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations both charitable and toward the funeral costs.

Facebook Livestream of the rosary can be seen here:

https://www.facebook.com/FDAValleyMemorial?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://gofund.me/6749a193

Thank you for your generous contributions.

Blessings,

The Villarreal Family