Darren Maxwell Villanueva

WILMINGTON - Age 27, went home to the Lord on February 7, 2024.

Darren was born August 31, 1996 to Gregory and Darlene Villanueva. He attended the First State School, located at Wilmington Hospital – an alternative school for chronically ill children – and graduated in 2015. Darren was awarded the Jennifer Kane and Vernita Miller Memorial Award for Courage, Integrity, and Friendliness in 2013. He was fortunate enough to return to the First State School often to volunteer, encourage, and give hope to current students.

Darren loved three things in life - his family, baseball, and Yugioh. As a child, Darren excelled at baseball both at Fox Point Babe Ruth and Brandywine Little League. He was a true all-star not only on the field, but off, making many friends along the way. Unfortunately, his health began to deteriorate but his love and passion for the game never wavered.

Darren was a competitive Yugioh player who competed nationally for years. He took a love for the game at a young age; going from watching the TV show to being in the top 32 contestants nationwide. Even with the competitive streak in him, he made friends in every place he went, having good sportsmanship the whole way, and overcoming every challenge that faced him, game or not. Darren’s knowledge of the game was incredible, and he was known to inspire players everywhere he went.

Preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Sandra Koch and Bill Watkins; Darren is survived by his parents, Gregory and Darlene Villanueva; his seven siblings, Heather Jablonski, William Nogan III, Kendra Toner, Brent Yetter, Kyle Yetter, Zachary Yetter, and Savannah Villanueva; his nieces and nephews, Collin Potter, Jackson Kendig, Gabriel DiStefano, Rebecca DiStefano, Abigail Toner, Cameron Toner, Charlotte Toner, Violet Jablonski, Palmer Yetter; his paternal grandparents, Michael Villanueva and Alice Huffman; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation and celebration will be 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, February 16, 2024 at Schoenberg Memorial Chapel, 519 Philadelphia Pike Wilmington, DE 19809. All are welcome to come in casual dress.

SCHOENBERG MEMORIAL CHAPEL