Walter Villegas, 79, passed away peacefully in his home on July 11, 2022, of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Walter was born May 22, 1943, in Brawley, Calif., to Guadalupe Gutierrez and Jose Villegas. He had three brothers and four sisters and was the youngest boy.

Walter received his GED and served in the Marines for six years. He worked at Lucent Technologies (aka Pacific Bell & AT&T) for 39 years, and frequently traveled across the country for work. In 1986, he relocated from Victorville, Calif., to Northampton, Pa., and returned to California in 1993. In 2003, Walter moved to Post Falls, Idaho, where he retired in 2010 and remained until his last day.

Walter married Janice Villegas on Dec. 23, 1977. They were married for 44 years until her death on Aug. 28, 2021. They enjoyed a very loving and supportive marriage and were best friends. Walter loved spending time with his wife, even if all they did was take a scenic drive.

In 1979, they welcomed a daughter, Christina Magistrale. Walter made sure Christina had everything she needed and more. He provided her with great opportunities to travel the country. Walter was a positive role model for Christina’s two sons, Hunter Villegas-Magistrale (b. 2004) and Archer Magistrale (b. 2010). He helped support and raise them, and was a wonderful influence in their lives.

Walter has two children from his previous marriage, Walter Villegas II, who has two sons, and Henry Villages, who has one son and two daughters.

Walter was a people person who loved to share his life stories. He was always supportive of his family, and did whatever he could to make their lives better. Besides being there to teach his grandsons various skills, Walter adored western movies and enjoyed home projects.

He is proceeded in death by both parents, seven siblings, his infant grandson Dylan Villegas-Magistrale, and wife Janice Villegas. Walter is survived by his daughter Christina Magistrale, grandsons Hunter Villegas-Magistrale and Archer Magistrale, his sons Walter Villegas II and Henry Villegas and their children, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There is no service planned at this time.