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City of Surprise remembers Councilmember Roy Villanueva
Long-time Surprise Councilmember Roy Villanueva died on Monday, July 22. The 71-year-old had been admitted to John C. Lincoln
Hospital - Deer Valley with heart complications.
Villanueva, first sworn into city office in June 1979, brought more than 34 years of experience having served as Surprise Mayor,
Vice Mayor and Councilmember.
"Roy's passing is a tremendous loss for our community," says Mayor Sharon Wolcott. "For decades he worked so very hard to help
build our city and thanks to his leadership we are better off today. My heartfelt condolences to his wife Rachel, his children
and grandsons. Please know that your Mayor and City Council are here for you."
During his many years of service, Roy initiated many important improvements in the area of housing rehabilitation, economic
development, utilities, police services, fire services and federal grants.
While serving as chair of the Community Development Block Grant Committee, Roy was instrumental in targeting these important
federal dollars to improve housing, roads, streetlights, sidewalks, baseball fields, sewer systems and other important neighborhood
infrastructure around the city.
He was also instrumental in developing important Surprise economic milestones such as the West Pointe Towne Center, and bringing major
league baseball and Surprise Stadium to the community.
City Clerk Sherry Aguilar, who has been with the City for 23 years, remembers Villanueva fondly, "Beyond being a strong advocate for
Surprise, Roy was a loving husband, father and grandfather and I am proud to have worked with him for so many years and to call him
my friend."
Roy lived in Surprise for more than 34 years and has been married to Rachel more than 40 years. He is also survived by three children
and two grandsons.
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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