Brian Neil Rubio

Brian Neil Rubio Villanueva, 47, passed away at Stanford Hospital with his wife Angela by his side on May 5, 2024, after a courageous three-year fight against cancer. Brian was a warrior to the end, and he always thanked his doctors and nurses for their care. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and to all who knew him, he was a true and devoted friend.

Brian was born in Bakersfield and spent his early youth there. He had a special bond with his maternal grandmother Amalia Rubio, whose memory he cherished. As a young boy, Brian learned the value of hard work, growing up and working on dairy farms. He graduated from Le Grand High School in 1995. A meat cutter by profession, Brian worked for 21 years at Food 4 Less and then behind the meat counter at Costco in Merced. Friends, who became like family, will remember his fierce loyalty, his wise advice, and his demonstrative love for his family. 

Brian met the love of his life, Angela Cisneros, the year of his high school graduation and were later married. They were best friends, and rarely were they apart during their nearly 30 years together. Five beautiful children were born to them, and they lavished their attention on them, providing dance and music lessons, watching them play water polo, football, and basketball, and always taking an interest in them and their friends. Brian and Angela welcomed family and friends for summer barbecues, of which Brian took special pride in his skills as a backyard chef. Family vacations, usually to Pismo Beach, were special times, and often friends would join the family.

Brian truly never met a stranger. His personality was large and magnetic, and he drew people to him. He had a huge heart and a warmth and kindness he extended to everyone. He was the central person in what became a large, extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews, and his home was always open to his family of friends. Brian was a league pool player, loved the Raiders and Dodgers, and he was a professed Christian from an early age. For those of us who loved him, he will be missed so very much, but his example as a man, and especially as a family man, will continue to inspire us.

He leaves behind his wife, Angela, children Alyssa (Robert), Andraya (Obie), Luis, Ayana, Ayva, and Brian Jr.; grandson Mateo Canela; parents Pearl and Al Pavao and Ralph and Erma Villanueva; brothers Justin (Claudia) Pavao, and A.J. (Estela) Pavao; sister Jessica Pavao, brother Alex (Veronica) Villanueva, and sisters DeNiece Villanueva, and Maria (Jaime) Arambula. Also, his father- and mother-in-law Robin and Ramona Shepard; brother-in-law Joseph (Rosezett) Cisneros; and sister-in-law Vanessa (Joel) Cisneros; and special cousins Tony and Natasha Perez. Brian also leaves behind a large family of nieces and nephews, including Rebecca (Joey) Pavao and great-niece Emry; Xavier, Evan, and Maya Pavao; Gabriella, Alexandria, and Benjamin Corral; Nethanel and Alexander Lopez; Julyan, Adryan, Damyan, Leilany, Alayna, Ellie, and Zoey Cisneros; Ariana, Sophia, and Alex Jr. Villanueva, Elijah and Olivia Villanueva; and Audrina, Savannah, and Madilyn Villanueva. Also, his godchildren Maddy and Tobe Perez, and Vanessa Hernandez. Also, by uncles, aunts, and cousins too numerous to mention. Brian also leaves behind his many friends who were part of his extended family. Brian was preceded in death by his grandmother Amalia Rubio, father-in-law Joey Cisneros, and compadre Brandon Maldonado.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on May 23, 2024 at Yosemite Church, 2230 E. Yosemite Avenue in Merced, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Merced Senior Community Center, 755 West 15th Street, from 3-7 p.m.

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