Jose Villanueva III

Jose Villanueva III, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend passed away at home with his family on Friday, November 4, 2022 after a long and tenacious struggle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Born on December 16, 1961 in Atlanta, Georgia. Jose was the son of Thais and Jose Villanueva who had recently immigrated from Cuba. He is predeceased by his father, Jose Villanueva. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Carol McKinny; his children Andrea (Alana Cheski), Robin, and Kevin; his mother, Thais Villanueva; and his sister, Ana Villanueva. He also loved and was much loved by his large extended family of many, many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Jose grew up in Boca Raton, Florida where he enjoyed sailing, windsurfing, running triathlons, cooking, and salsa dancing. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in Mechanical Engineering following in his father’s footsteps. Jose had a 32 year career at Motorola where he was awarded three US Patents. Jose and Carol started their family in Delray Beach, Florida and moved to Libertyville, Illinois in 2002 to continue working for Motorola. After his retirement, Jose dedicated himself to social justice causes. After his diagnosis of MS in 1999, Jose continued to live life to the fullest. In spite of his illness he traveled all over the world with his family and for work. When faced with a challenge from MS, he applied his engineering problem solving skills and personal tenacity to keep going. In Jose’s words: Tenacity is the ability to problem solve so that you can continue to move forward. Each problem requires a unique solution. Some problems are solved by persistence, others by finding another way, some by technology, and others by accepting help. Tenacity is not accepting failure and finding a way. Jose was deeply committed to his wife and children. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends for his kindness, courage, strength and social activism. His family invites you to a Celebration of Life on Monday November 7, 2022 at the Crawford Warming House, 817 West Lake Street in Libertyville Illinois. Calling Hours from 4:30-7:00, with a brief remembrance service at 6:15 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the National MS Society, The Northern Illinois Food Bank or Moveon.org

Jose Villanueva III

December 16, 1961 - November 4, 2022