Gabriel Alarmando Villavicencio, Sr. was born on January 16, 1959 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the union of Mario E. Villavicencio and Marva J. (Washington, Villavicencio) DeClouette. On Saturday, January 6, 2018, the spirit of our precious brother, Gabriel, went home to join our Savior in a precious home not built by human hands, but whose maker and builder is God. Gabriel A. Villavicencio, Sr. grew up in Uptown New Orleans, LA. where he attended Lawrence D. Crocker Elementary, Samuel J. Green Junior High, Walter L. Cohen High School, Eleanor McMain Magnet School and Loyola University. At an early age, Gabriel was baptized and became a member of Second Highway Missionary Baptist Church. During his teen years, Gabriel accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was baptized in the Holy Ghost. During those early years Gabriel joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. There he began playing trumpet, sang in the youth choir and was active in various ministries of the Church. Later, Gabriel also attended and was an active member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, pastored by Rev. Moses Gordon. From 1993 forward, Gabriel served as Worship Leader for newly formed Cornerstone Full Gospel Fellowship, Harvey, LA. pastored by Rev. James L. DeClouette, P.D., his Stepfather. During this time, Gabriel had an experience which he treasured. He attended a Ron Kenoly Worship Leaders Workshop in Orlando, FL. During the Workshop, he had the memorable experience of singing with Ron Kenoly “Keeper of My Heart.” Also, at the end of the workshop, he had a supernatural experience with the manifest Presence of God. After Katrina, Gabriel moved to Laplace, LA. where he attended Destiny Christian Center, pastored by Rev. Steve Allen. Gabriel was passionate about singing and praising our Lord. He joined and sang with various gospel singing groups: Notes of Harmony; Spiritual Movement (favorite song: “Ride on King Jesus”); G.A.S./God’s Anointed Soldiers: (“Let Go, Let God”); Betty Winn and One Accord (“I Sing Because I’m Happy” and “I Won’t Complain”). Gabriel loved to travel. In his early twenties, he traveled to Los Angeles, CA, Gabriel testified that during this stay in Los Angeles, he had his first “wilderness experience.” He was alone with no family. Oh but God! “God led me to a storefront church where God spoke to me directly and let me know He was with me, keeping me.” During that stay in Los Angeles, he rekindled a friendship with Wahlitha Washington who was also from Uptown New Orleans. Their friendship blossomed. They later married. Out of that union, Gabriel Jr. was born. Years later, Gabriel met and married Angela Lewis. Out of that union his daughter, Gabriella (Gabby) was born. Gabriel played with the Junior Philharmonic Orchestra during his teen years alongside Wynton Marsallis and Terrence Blanchard. He loved sports. He participated in his favorites, basketball, and tennis, roller skating, bowling, and swimming. He was an avid fan of the New Orleans Saints Football and Pelican Basketball teams. From late 1980’s to present, as a member of the LHSAA & GCAC, New Orleans Chapter, Gabriel trained and impacted a variety of people as a Referee Official. Gabriel was a dedicated employee of Owens and Minor for many years where he worked in various capacities including Warehouse Manager and Inventory Control Specialist. Gabriel was preceded in death by his wife Angela Lewis Villavicencio. He leaves to cherish his memories his Mother, Marva J. DeClouette and Stepfather, James L. DeClouette, his Sister, Maria A. Villavicencio, his son Gabriel Jr., his daughters Gabriella A., Aimee Farria Culp (Roy), his grandchildren, Sage Villavicencio, Paris, Tristan and Schuyler Culp and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral services held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum.
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