Felix Villegas

Felix Isaac Villegas, also known as “In” by his family, passed away peacefully surrounded by his mother and father on February 17, 2021 in Santa Clara. Felix was born on July 8, 1999, in Watsonville, to Ana Lilia Barcelo and Felix Benjamin Villegas. He graduated from Watsonville High School in 2017.

Felix was a loving son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson and friend. Everyone who knew Felix described him as kindhearted, with a bright smile and positive personality who lit up the room everywhere he went. Felix’s passion was training Jiu-Jitsu, he was a student of Thomas Rumsey for Claudio Franca BJJ Watsonville, and the past year was mentored by Nathan Mendelsohn and Rafa Eboli for Claudio Franca Santa Cruz. Mendelsohn said of Felix “There are only so many students that walk through the door of a jiu-jitsu academy that are young enough, talented enough, hard-working enough, and love the sport enough to truly have a chance of becoming a high-level black belt adult competitor. Felix was undoubtedly one of those. I have no doubt in my mind that he would have grown to become a highly decorated competitor if we could have seen him live to fulfill his full potential.”

Felix was an angel in life, and is now an angel in heaven, watching over everyone he knew and loved. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten as his memory will live on through his family and friends. The Villegas/Barcelo family would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this difficult time, a true testament to the many lives that Felix touched.

Felix is preceded in death by his Nana, Maria Barcelo. He is survived by his parents, Ana Lilia Barcelo and Felix Benjamin Villegas, his younger brother Jared and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by his second family, Claudio Franca BJJ Watsonville and Claudio Franca BJJ Santa Cruz.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm followed by a service from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the United Presbyterian Church at 112 E. Beach St. in Watsonville.

Felix will be laid to rest on Friday, March 5, 2021 beginning with a church service at 10:00 am at the United Presbyterian Church with burial to follow at Valley Public Cemetery at 2445 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville.