Ernesto X Villanueva (“Ernie”) was born March 20, 1930 in Narvacan Ilocos Sur, a small town in the Philippines. He was the fifth of six children born to Nemesio and Asuncion Villanueva. He attended Far Eastern University, studying business and upon graduation. He started out as a secretary for Exxon and then worked for the Japanese Embassy in Manila. Eventually he became an administrative officer for the nonprofit organization, Immigration Foundation.
In 1972, he arrived in the New York City and has lived here since then. He appreciated all that it offered, especially Metropolitan Opera, New York Ballet, and the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). As an avid tennis fan, he enjoyed and greatly looked forward to the yearly arrival of the U.S. Open. He made every effort to attend games yearly, often taking family and friends with him. He also loved baseball and was devoted to his Mets, catching their games regularly on TV. In addition, he greatly enjoyed Japanese culture, appreciating their style, food, language, and country.
Ernesto was a very compassionate person who cared deeply for the less unfortunate. He had a variety of occupations over his career but spent the last 20 years working in immigration support. This job meant a lot to him as he was able to help many families and individuals successfully immigrate to the United States for a better life.
Ernesto had a depth of generosity that touched everyone who met him. Outside of his job, he also often pursued opportunities to help others. As an active member of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, he participated in church missions to several countries, including the Philippines. On those missions, he and his team spread the gospel and supplied the underprivileged with much needed supplies. In addition to this work helping the underprivileged, he would always send “balikbayan” boxes containing food, clothing, and basic living essentials for distribution to the needy in his hometown of Narvacan.
Ernesto, beloved brother and friend, is survived by Jaimie an older brother, Leticia younger sister, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces and finally great grandnephews and great grandnieces. He will always be loved and greatly missed by his family and friends, all who feel blessed to have known him.

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