Juan Ricardo Villacis

Juan Ricardo Villacis Tulcan, affectionately known as Juanito, passed away on March 11, 2026, at the age of 101. Born in Ibarra, Ecuador, in 1925, he emigrated to the United States in 1961 with his son, Alejandro Fernando Villacis. His wife of 72 years, Maria Clemencia de Villacis Travez Bustillos, followed the next year with their daughter, Dolores Paulina Villacis. Having lost his mother at an early age and endured a difficult childhood, Juanito embraced the opportunity his sister Lola Sandoval offered to build a better life for his family. Together with Clemencia, he created a foundation that enabled generations of relatives to follow in their footsteps.

Juanito and Clemencita instilled a strong work ethic in their children and everyone they mentored. He balanced his dedication with a joyful spirit, particularly on the dance floor. A skilled dancer, he moved gracefully to any music, especially his favorite artist, Michael Jackson. He also cherished the traditional folkloric Ecuadorian music that filled their many family gatherings. A devoted Washington Redskins fan, he could often be heard narrating games in Spanish for those around him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Clemencita, in November 2025, and his son, Alejandro, in April 2024.

Juanito is survived by his daughter, Dolores Paulina Ahrens, and her husband, Gerd (Chip) Ahrens; grandson Adam Ahrens and his wife Jessica Ahrens, and their daughter Emily; granddaughter Gabriella Franklyn and her husband Anthony Franklyn, and their daughters Holly and Lilah; his daughter-in-law Avelina Villacis; granddaughter Melissa Villacis and her husband Ian Wallace; granddaughter Erica Pigg (Villacis) and her husband Justin Pigg; and his sisters, Lola Sandoval and Gloria Villacis.