Juan F. Villa

A lifelong educator, he used innovative instruction techniques while working as a chemistry professor for 35 years at Lehman College in the Bronx, NY. In 1976 he was awarded a Fulbright to teach in South America. Juan loved to read, research on his computer, and use every opportunity to help others learn. He demonstrated this through private tutoring, mentoring colleagues, and helping graduate students complete dissertations.

When his children were young, Juan dedicated years to Hal Block Soccer League and Spring Valley Little League coaching and on the Board of Directors. All the kids on the block lined up for his homemade icees. And his family will never forget the summers spent fishing in the Florida Keys.

He valued education, sending all four kids to Catholic school K-12, three of them to Notre Dame, and one to Harvard. For several years, he served as an extraordinary minister at St. Joseph Church in Stuart, Florida.

Juan inspiringly compensated for the limitations handed to him as he aged. Without complaint he continued collecting stamps, playing chess, and watching and listening to philosophical discussions. He was invigorated by and loved to listen to others voice their opinions. Insatiably curious and a lively conversationalist, he particularly enjoyed discussions around current events and culture.

As a sports enthusiast, Juan loved racquetball, tennis, and ping pong. He loyally followed Notre Dame football and his alma maters University of Miami, where he received several degrees including a PhD in Chemistry, and University of North Carolina, where he completed his post-doctoral work.

He valued family time over all else and worked hard to preserve those memories by taking countless hours of home movies.

Most of all he hoped to exemplify how to live a meaningful life through focus on faith, diet, exercise, and assisting others.

He is survived by his wife (the catch of his life) of 58 years, Elena; son John (Michelle); daughter Ellen (Pat); son Paul, and daughter Irene. His grandchildren will miss their “Abu": Brian, Theresa, Luke, Peter, Jackie, Hope, and Dominick.

Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Jupiter Medical Center for excellent care. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Andrews Church in Stuart, Florida.