INDIANAPOLIS – It is with profound sadness that the Offices of the Grand Chapter announce the passing of Frater Danny Villanueva to the Chapter Eternal. Following a stroke late last week, family members and officials at New Mexico State University confirmed he passed Thursday, June 18.
Frater Villanueva was initiated into the Alpha-Omicron chapter at New Mexico State University where received a scholarship from the university to play kicker on the football team.
Following graduation in 1961, he played for the Los Angeles Rams and earned the nickname "El Kickador." Bullfighting music was played whenever he walked onto the field. He finished his NFL career as a member of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1967 championship against Green Bay Packers.
After a successful career as one of the first Latino players in the NFL, Villanueva entered the world of broadcasting, ultimately working his way to president and part owner of Univision, an American Spanish language broadcast television network.
Frater Villanueva has continued to support the Fraternity by serving on the TKE Educational Foundation Board of Directors since 2010.
"Danny was an outstanding philanthropist and even better Frater," said TEF President and CEO Gary Reed. "Despite his formidable business success and an extensive list of honors, distinctions and commitments, he always made time for the Fraternity."
Frater Villanueva is survived by his wife, Myrna; sons Danny and Jim; five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
For more information, please contact:
Daniel Klopfenstein
Communications Specialist
317.872.6533
DKlopfenstein@tke.org
