Victor Julio Mercedes Vilorio

Victor Julio Mercedes Vilorio, was called by the Lord on January 23, 2020.  He was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, Pastor, father-in-law, friend and a great servant to God. He was born on January 29, 1944 in Los Cacaos, Samana, Dominican Republic to Epifania Vilorio and Jesus Mercedes. Victor was raised in Sabana de la Mar, Dominican Republic, by his grandmother, Dominga Mercedes. As a boy in Sabana de la Mar, he enjoyed fishing on the bay and in the famous caves of the region. In 1966, Victor began his journey with Christ in San Juan De La Maguana at “La Asamblea De Dios”.  While in San Juan, Victor met the love of his life Cipriana Villegas and was a devoted husband for over 52 years. Together they raised 4 beautiful children: Elisa, Olfa, Bethania & Victor Eli. Victor always demonstrated the importance of service to his children from very young ages. Victor would collect food, clothes, shoes, school supplies, and many other necessities, and take them to different communities in need. Victor Also had a deep love for baseball. He would often collect and donate baseball equipment little league teams in different parts of the Dominican Republic.  In 1972, Victor came to the United States as a coordinator of the Church World Service. While in the United States Victor cultivated a life and made an innumerable amount of friends and family. Victor worked for many years as a Construction Foreman. Many who know him, knew is love and talent for construction and electrical work. He had a strong interest in fixing things in everyone’s home, and even loved commenting on how much better could have fixed any fixture he saw. In 1991, Victor became a faithful member to the Fountain of Grace Church, which became a second home to Victor and his family. Victor enjoyed being a grandfather to his 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Often times calling them “little weasels” and ensuring he always had a jolly rancher in his pocket for them. In 2006 he returned to the Dominican Republic to continue his dedication to God, as a preacher at La Iglesia El Calvario. In 2017, Victor and his wife decided to come back to the United States to be closer to family. Victor became the assistant to Pastor Keene at the Fountain of Grace Church. Victor served the Lord always until his last day on earth. He truly was like God wants us to be, loving and caring for anyone regardless of who they were or what they did.  He had an infectious laugh and amazing sense of humor, he always kept a smile on his face and the faces of everyone around him. He was always willing to help someone in need and served as a mentor to many people. It is impossible to articulate what Victor meant to each and every life he touched. His legacy will live on forever in all of our hearts.

Preceded in death by Parents:Epifania Vilorio, Jesus Mercedes, Grandmother:Dominga Mercedes, Siblings: Juan E. Gomez, Pablo R. Gomez.

He leaves to cherish his memories:  His Wife, Cipriana Villegas, Siblings: Maria Elisa Mercedes, Petra Gomez, Margarita Gomez, Hector Mercedes & Cesar Mercedes, Children: Elisa Mercedes, Olfa Mercedes, Bethania Mercedes & Victor Eli Mercedes, Grandchildren: Jennifer, Jeffrey, Christopher, Genesis, Cristel, Victoria, Rosie, Manuel, Camilla, Rolando, Samuel, Camila, Eliana, Avery, Casey. Great Grandchildren: Elias, Arianna, Jayden, Julian, Joshua, Bryan, Aliyah & Greysen. Son & Daughter- in law: Carl Riley, Tony Martinez & Lauren Mercedes. Sister in law: Urda Lidia Perez and Agripina Villegas. And a host of nieces, nephews, god children, friends and other relatives.