John was born on May 1, 1956, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Genaro Arturo Villafranca and Delores (Sanchez) Suniga. Delores and the children moved to Fort Collins in 1958. In 1961, Delores married John's stepfather, Alex Suniga, Sr. John attended school at LaPorte Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, and attended Poudre High School for a short period of time, then attended Rocky Mountain High School after the school opened and graduated in 1974. John lived in Boulder most of his adult life taking classes periodically at CU Boulder, as he always wanted to be an advocate for children. Because of his love for children, John kept in contact with his nephews and nieces, and when his oldest nephew married and had three children of his own, John made sure he spoke with them every month or two, as he wanted them to know who is uncle John was. Anyone who knew John, knew that he was an avid fisherman and a die-hard Bronco fan. What many don’t know about him, is that he was a very talented artist and poet.
John was preceded in death by his natural father, Genaro Villafranca, and his maternal grandmother, Natividad (Gonzales) Sanchez. He is survived by his mother, Delores Suniga; stepfather, Alex Suniga Sr; two sisters – Mary (Villafranca) Escobar (Mike Sr.) of Pierce, CO and Jean (Villafranca) Torres of Fort Collins; four brothers – Ricardo “Rick” Villafranca of Taos, NM, Robert “Bob” Villafranca of Fort Collins, Alex Suniga, Jr (Edie) of Albuquerque NM, and Greg Suniga of Johnstown, CO. Nieces Melinda (Escobar) Gurule (Seferino) of Eaton, CO, Cristal Torres of Fort Collins, and Elena Villafranca (Adam Montoya) of Taos, NM; nephews Michael Villafranca (Yesenia) of Loveland, CO, Mike Escobar Jr, and Stephen Escobar of Fort Collins; great-nieces Alejandra and Mia of Loveland, CO and six great-nephews Mikey, Jr. of Loveland; and Lyrik, Noah, Gabrielle, Tomas and Adan of El Valle, NM. John had many other relatives throughout Colorado, California and Texas.
Per John’s request, he was cremated and no services are planned at this time.
John was preceded in death by his natural father, Genaro Villafranca, and his maternal grandmother, Natividad (Gonzales) Sanchez. He is survived by his mother, Delores Suniga; stepfather, Alex Suniga Sr; two sisters – Mary (Villafranca) Escobar (Mike Sr.) of Pierce, CO and Jean (Villafranca) Torres of Fort Collins; four brothers – Ricardo “Rick” Villafranca of Taos, NM, Robert “Bob” Villafranca of Fort Collins, Alex Suniga, Jr (Edie) of Albuquerque NM, and Greg Suniga of Johnstown, CO. Nieces Melinda (Escobar) Gurule (Seferino) of Eaton, CO, Cristal Torres of Fort Collins, and Elena Villafranca (Adam Montoya) of Taos, NM; nephews Michael Villafranca (Yesenia) of Loveland, CO, Mike Escobar Jr, and Stephen Escobar of Fort Collins; great-nieces Alejandra and Mia of Loveland, CO and six great-nephews Mikey, Jr. of Loveland; and Lyrik, Noah, Gabrielle, Tomas and Adan of El Valle, NM. John had many other relatives throughout Colorado, California and Texas.
Per John’s request, he was cremated and no services are planned at this time.
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