Gregory "Goyo" Villagomez

Gregory “Goyo” Villagomez age 69, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on August 15, 2024. He was born to Octaviano and Carmen (nee Medina) Villagomez in Joliet, IL on April 9, 1955 (Holy Saturday). 

Although Gregory was born in Joliet, his mother made the decision to move to Mexico at age five upon the passing of his father Octaviano. After completing two years of college for Architecture, he returned to Joliet where he lived for the remainder of his life. As a boy, Gregory was known to push boundaries. He wasn’t a bad child by any means, but his willingness to challenge the generally accepted norms kept his loved ones on their toes. At the age of thirty-three, Gregory met the one great love of his life Juana Villagomez Cervantes. They were married six months later and together, they started a family, ultimately raising three wonderful young women here in Joliet. When working, Gregory sacrificed most of his time and energy toward providing for his family. He worked for Toyal America Inc. for 16 years before retiring due to circumstances beyond his control. After his retirement, he was finally able to shift that time and effort towards supporting his girls in their athletics and hobbies. He quickly proved himself to be their number one fan in the stands. He was happy to make himself available to the girls, as well as their friends providing support in any way that he could. His favorite hobbies included watching all professional sports (especially soccer), trying his luck at the OTB, and reading. He was a voracious reader, especially fond of Tom Clancy novels and Mexican novelas. Gregory was not only his girls’ confidant, but also some of his daughters’ friends and his families’. He’s touched many lives throughout his life, especially with his willingness to always lend a helping hand. His heart was truly made of Gold or as his girls would say, Heart of Steel. He was their Man of Steel, their very own Superman! Throughout his many years of health struggles, his deep faith as a devoted Catholic always carried him through the most difficult of times. 

He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers Joseph Anthony (Teresa) Rodriguez, Jesus (Delia) Rodriguez, and Antonio Villagomez. 

Gregory is survived by his beloved life partner Juana (nee Cervantes) Villagomez, his children Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Axel) Castillo, Gabriela “Gaby” (Chase) Melber, and Maricela “Mari” (Jesus) Reyes, his sister Beatrice (Sebastian) Rios, his one and only FAVORITE granddaughter Aaliyah “GINA”, and his grandsons Anthony, Angelo, and Martin, and his grandpups Nala & Louie. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones also survive. 

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Wednesday August 21, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL. There will be a eulogy shared at 5:30 pm, and Mariachi music at 6:00 pm. All guests will be invited to return to Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life on the morning of Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 10:00 am for closing prayers, before traveling in procession to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 205 E. Jackson St. Joliet, IL for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment will follow Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery on Jefferson St. Joliet, IL.