Rene Torres Villa

September 4, 1942 - June 6, 2016

Rene Torres Villa, 73, of Beverly, passed away at Ledgewood Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center June, 6, 2016 following a brief illness. Rene was born in Havana, Cuba on September 4, 1942, son of Zacarias Torres and Maria Torres Martinez. He escaped Cuba by boat in 1961 first living in the Bahamas before reaching Miami, Fla. and then settling in Massachusetts. Rene was employed for 20 years as a construction worker and was a proud member of Laborers Local 290 having worked on several large building projects in Lynn and Boston. He was a hard worker, loyal friend and deeply committed and generous to his loved ones both here in Massachusetts and in Cuba. He had a deep compassion for those less fortunate, especially children and a dry wit and teasing nature that frequently left people laughing. He enjoyed listening to music, especially jazz and oldies, dancing and watching the WNBA and Major League Baseball. In his youth, he enjoyed playing baseball with friends and working in a local movie house as a reel operator. Rene is survived by his brother, “Bola” Villa of Havana, Cuba, his former wife, Doris Villa of Beverly; his daughter Mari Matt and her husband, Edward of Danvers, his son Matthew Villa and his wife, Mitzi of Raritan, N.J.; his cherished grandchildren, Hannah Matt, Clea Matt, Ava Matt, Maddox Villa, Marek Villa and Mikaela Villa; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Luiz Villa. Respecting his wishes, services will be private. Arrangements by C.R. Lyons and Sons in Danvers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics www.specialolympicsma.org or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.