Peter Anthony Villarreal

Peter Anthony Villarreal passed away on Wednesday May 29th after a 13-month battle with leukemia.  He was born in Orange Grove, TX to his parents Teodoro and Loreta Villarreal.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Antoinette (Toni) F. Villarreal.  He is dearly missed by his son, Mark (wife, Mary) Villarreal and daughter, Lisa.  He will be greatly missed by his 7 grandchildren: Annie (husband Jake), Sarah (husband Adam), Molly (husband Nathan), Ben (wife Sarah), Ellie (husband Daniel), Luke (Fiancée Emma), and Jack.  His absence will be felt by his 15, soon to be 16, great grandchildren: Kinleigh, Parker, Reagan, Kolten, Korbyn, Phoenix, Addi, Ashton, Ari, Monica, Natalie, Damon, Olivia, (soon to be Clarence), Finley and Kinsley. Peter is preceded in death by his great grandson, Logan Peter Kimes. Peter is survived by his sisters, Susie Padilla and Alice. Our loss will also be felt by his many nieces, nephews and countless friends after touching so many lives in his 85 years of life.  

Peter and his wife Toni settled in Waterville, OH where they raised their 2 kids. They eventually moved to Liberty Township, OH 17 years ago to spend more time near some oftheir grandchildren. 

Peter spent a lifetime investing in his children, always putting family first.  His overly energetic daughter needed a healthy outlet, so he took on the project of starting the first girls’ soccer program in the area. Peter coached his son in soccer also while supporting him in all his sport endeavors. 

Peter was born into a farming family.  He had 10 siblings. They lived a simple but hard-working life.  Peter was required to quit school in the 8th grade to support the family.  His family traveled back and forth for migrant work, finally settling in Ohio where he met the love of his life, Toni DiMario.  They were wed on May 28, 1960.  He never missed giving her flowers on their anniversary even the day before he passed.  Peter soon enlisted in the Army in 1962 where he became the personal driver for a four-star general.  He received an honorable discharge in 1964 with the title of SP4 (E-4).  Upon returning home, they started their family, which included caring for his Italian live-in mother-in-law, Carmela. Both Italians and Mexican can be a bit excitable leading to a few international disputes in the household.  

Peter retired from CSX Railroad after 30+ years.  Though never truly retiring, his life was full of hobbies and passions that earned him the reputation of a jack of all trades.  He was proof that a man of no means and little formal education can go on to enrich the lives of so many people.  He always had a smile and kind words.  Peter would help anyone at the drop of a hat.  He was go giving with his time and skills.  Peter loved music, and it was always a part of our lives, including genres ranging from country, big band and lively Mexican music, which led to a lot of dancing in the kitchen. His hobbies and interests are far too many to list.  He maintained soccer fields, golfed and attended his grandkids numerous sporting events. Peter was involved in a model engineering club and was a wood carver.  He loved old cars, traveling with Toni and could play the spoons. Peter spent many hours in the yard with Toni always caring for their lawn and flowerbeds.  

His true passion was Entertrainment Junction where he found his love of model trains.  Peter and Toni volunteered at EJ together for 17 years.  He spent countless hours building many of the bridges, structures, set designs and props while creating authentic displays.  He knew everything about all the trains and the time eras represented throughout the museum. Peter made many great friends at the museum and shared his knowledge with the guests. He could talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable.  His smile and laugh were infectious.

As hard as he worked, he never missed an opportunity for a good nap followed by a snack while watching an old western.  He secretly dreamed of being a cowboy. Not a drinker, Peter did enjoy a rum and Coke or a 5 o’clock margarita from time to time. He was a burger connoisseur and loved a good piece of apple pie.  There were many ice cream adventures with him, cook outs, kettle corn gatherings, chili dumps, pig roasts, steam dinners and campfire pies.  He made foodies of us all! Peter passed down to his kids and grandkids the tradition of making Tamales. 

Peter was a master storyteller; he had so many of them. His family and friends have experienced the wit, wisdom and life experiences of a truly remarkable man.  There will be an opportunity to share any stories you have while we celebrate his life at the Hodapp Funeral Home or Entertrainment Junction after the viewing. He will be greatly missed.

Services for Peter will be as following:

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 2:30 to 6:30 PM at Hodapp Funeral Home (6410 Cincinnati Dayton Rd., Liberty Township, OH 45044)

Celebration of Life Gathering afterwards at Entertrainment Junction beginning at 7 PM (7379 Squire Court, West Chester, Ohio 45069)

Food and drinks will be provided.

Funeral Service will be at Hodapp Funeral Home Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM 

Burial will follow at Woodside Cemetery (1401 Woodside Blvd. Middletown, OH 45044)

In lieu of flowers, the Villarreal family asks you to make a donation to either James Cancer Center (https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/313545) or Leukemia Society (https://lls.org/)