Christian Joel Aldana, born on February 7, 1992 was called to be with The Lord on December 7, 2020 at the age of 28. He is preceded in death by his father, Bobby Villarreal; maternal grandparents, Frank and Enriqueta Aldana. He is survived by his mother, Esmeralda A. Villarreal; brother, Samuel "Billy" Villarreal; grandmother, Angelita Villarreal; uncles and aunts, Frank and Carmen Aldana, Robert and Lilia Aldana, Ernest and Esther Hughes, Daniel and Martha Aldana, David and Sylvia Aldana, Samuel Aldana, Lee Villarreal, Henry and Priscilla Villarreal, Graciela Guerra; also, numerous cousins, other relatives, many friends and co workers.
Christian Joel Aldana born to Esmeralda Aldana Villarreal on February 7, 1992 weighing in at 9 lbs, 15 oz. As an infant he was diagnosed with Primary Myelofibrosis, a rare form of leukemia, but with prayers and faith from his family and friends he beat the illness. At the age of 3, Christian attended Alazan Head Start Center where it was quickly apparent he would be very intelligent and have a bright future ahead of him. Attending Rayburn Elementary School he was known as a very happy and intelligent student who easily made friends.
In kindergarten he relapsed, but this miracle child overcame the illness again by the grace of God, and he returned to school. He continued on to middle school and became known as a challenger who didn’t let anything get away from him and competed to be the best he could be. In Harlandale High School he joined many clubs, achieved good grades, and was reaching for the stars. Nothing seemed to be hard for him. He didn’t play around during the summers like other students, but attended St. Mary’s University and Trinity University through Preep and the Upward Bound program. He graduated high school in 2010 and proceeded to the University of Texas at San Antonio. He received his bachelor’s degree while also working at Starbucks as a barista which sparked his dreams of opening his own: Slaters Coffee Stand by CJ.
Christian was pursuing his Master of Library Science degree from 2019 thru 2020 and well on his way to becoming a children’s librarian. He started working part-time in the children’s department at Palo Alto College but due to his obvious talent he was quickly asked to work full-time. His love for his job was apparent and the exciting children’s programs he created drew many people to the library. He also worked at the San Antonio Public Library where he was a beloved member of the SAPL team and made a mark on everyone he worked with. His colleagues remember him as a magnetic and charismatic person full of personality and energy. He loved working with children and would volunteer to share the love of reading throughout the community. He especially wanted to develop programs for LGBTQ children to feel loved and celebrated. He is fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of his library colleagues.
The Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino, 226 Cupples Rd. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Services will conclude in the chapel.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, only 50 guests will be allowed in the funeral home chapel, therefore, there will be a walk through visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel on Sunday, December 20, 2020.
Facial coverings are required to be worn at all times while in the building.
You may sign the guestbook and leave a condolence at www.funerariadelangelcupples.com
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
