Cirilo Z. Villanueva, M.D.

Cirilo Z. Villanueva, M.D., 84, of Beckley died October 26, 2021. He was one of five children born to Atty. Victorino and Patricia Villanueva. He received his doctorate in medicine from Southwestern University, College of Medicine in Cebu City, Philippines in 1961. In 1967, he married his wife, Emma, and came to the United States to begin their life together. After completing his residency in anesthesiology at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV, he accepted a position in Beckley in 1976 and this move brought him to his forever home. He worked for Beckley Hospital until 1987 when he was asked to join the staff of VAMC Beckley.  As the chief anesthesiologist at the VA, Dr. Villanueva cared for many veterans until retiring in 2020. He also served in many medical missions to the Philippines. 

He was a faithful parishioner at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church where he was a member of the choir. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a medical officer, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 

Dr. Villanueva was loved by his patients and their families, known for always having a smile on his face.  He was a compassionate doctor who was patient and kind to nursing and other employee staff. 

Dr. Villanueva loved to travel, sing, play the piano, ballroom dance, and golf. He also enjoyed tinkering with cars and gardening, especially vegetables. His most favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren. 

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 54 years, Emma C. Villanueva, M.D., their children and son-in-law, Karen Villanueva-Matkovich and her husband, Mark Matkovich (Hurricane, WV), Michele Villanueva (Beckley, WV), Tricia May Villanueva (Huntsville, AL); six grandchildren Nicholas, Emma Grace, Cooper, Brooklyn, Alexis and Isabella; sister, Ida Villanueva, M.D. (Beckley, WV) and niece, Summer.   

The family will be receiving family and friends Friday evening, November 5 from 5 to 8 pm at the Melton Mortuary Chapel with the Prayer Vigil starting at 7:30.  The Funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, November 6 at 12pm at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with a lunch and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to St. Francis de Sales Church in memory of Dr. Cirilo Z. Villanueva. 

Melton Mortuary and Cremation Center have been entrusted with arrangements and are honored to serve the family.  Words of comfort may be offered to the family by visiting www.meltonmortuary.com

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