Gabriel Villanueba

Gabriel David Michael “Gabe” Villanueba (September 14, 1990 – August 21, 2023) is remembered for a life shaped by music, creativity, and family. Born in Denver to Lorraine Olivas and David Villanueba, Gabe was the youngest of four children. Those who knew him remember a quiet, clever presence with a warm sense of humor and an imaginative streak that found expression in many places.

Gabe was a devoted father to his children, Aurelius and Adonis, and family remained at the center of his life. He poured his energy into music — playing guitar with bands including Controlled Demise and Forgotten Within — and shared his creativity through writing and cosplay. He also loved spending time outdoors, where friends recall him as thoughtful and earnest.

Friends and family remember Gabe as caring and inventive: a musician who could command a stage, a writer with something to say, and a person who gave generously of his attention to those he loved. Those qualities — his musical talent, his quiet intelligence, and his playful joking — are the threads many will carry forward in memory.

A memorial visitation and celebration of life were held in Denver, giving family and friends the chance to honor Gabe’s life together. His family asked that remembrances reflect the joy and creativity he shared. Though his passing on August 21, 2023, was untimely, the memories of his music, his laugh, and his dedication to his children remain as a lasting tribute.