Adrian M. Vega, Jr.

LAFAYETTE - Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 2, 2012, at a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, for Adrian M. Vega, Jr., 63, who left his loved ones here to meet Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior on Monday evening, October 29, 2012.

Interment will be in St. John Cemetery.

Rev. Msgr. Keith J. DeRouen, will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral service. Concelebrant will be Reverend Chester Arceneaux. The gifts will be carried by Mr. Vega's three grandchildren: Andrew Billeaud, Alex Billeaud and Katja Gillion. Lectors will be Tammy Bernard and Leslie Fritscher. Matthew Stuller will deliver a eulogy. Musical selections will be "Amazing Grace", "Psalm 23", "Ave Maria", "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman" and "On Eagles' Wings" for the services.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Mary Catherine Ardoin Vega; one daughter, Christa Billeaud and her husband Chip; four sons, Adrian Vega, III, Carlos Vega and Adrian Miguel Blake Vega and Zachariah Brasseaux and his wife Jennifer; a son-in-law, Jess G. Gillion; and three grandchildren, Andrew Billeaud, Alexander Billeaud and Helen Grace Katja Gillion; two brothers, Tino Vega and Manuel Vega; and four sisters, Tessie Martin, Maria Garcia, Rita Cormier and Laly Haygood, all of Lafayette.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adrian Miguel Vega, Sr. and Eulalia Ventayols Vega; his beloved first wife, Rita Krieg Vega and one daughter, Isabel Vega Gillion.

Mr. Vega was born on November 20, 1948 in Havana, Cuba. He and his family were the first Cuban refugee family to move to this area sponsored by the Reverend Perry Sanders and the First Baptist Church in 1962. He attended Lafayette High School and University of Southwestern Louisiana.

Adrian lived the "American Dream". As a small boy, he came to this country with his family seeking refuge. He remembered being hungry and struggling to overcome a language barrier and living on other people's charity. This softened his heart , molded and influenced his work ethic, which brought him to business ownership with a strong responsibility to care for his community. If you knew Adrian, community meant everyone and anyone around him. His personal generosity helped numerous individuals and organizations. However, he also utilized the blessings from his businesses, Acadiana Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and Acadiana Mazda, to ensure that he gave back to this community that he loved so much. He was proud to be an American having our nation's flag waving above his business daily. He was most proud of being a husband, a father and a grandfather.

Adrian's grandchildren and young son were a constant joy to him. His favorite things to do with them were to watch action movies, snuggled up in bed eating chocolate and hunting at his ranch. His hobbies included his racing team, his ranch, sharing meals with friends, sending food to his neighbors and drinking his "Cuban Coffee".

Pallbearers will be Adrian Vega III, Carlos Vega, Chico Vega, Mickey Comboy, Chip Billeaud, Tony Borman, Bennett Bernard and Glen Fritscher.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Tino Vega, Paul Martin III, Andrew Billeaud, Alex Billeaud and Zach Brasseaux.

The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's DOWNTOWN Lafayette location on Thursday, November 1, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and on Friday from 8:00 AM until time of service.

A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday at 6:30 PM in Martin & Castille Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank Ms. Brenda Dugas for her care and compassion; Dr. Karen Roden and staff; and all those family and friends that have reached out during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503 or on their website at www.HospiceAcadiana.com, the Lourdes Foundation, 4801 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Lafayette, LA 70508, the Acadiana Autism Society, www.acadianaautism.com or the Miles Perret Cancer Services, www.milesperret.org.

With respect to Mr. Vega and in consideration of the fine family of employees at Acadiana Dodge and Acadiana Mazda, the dealerships will be closed all day on Friday.

View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com

Martin & Castille-DOWNTOWN-330 St. Landry St., Lafayette, LA 70506, 337-234-2311

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Advertiser from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Adrian Vega

25 Entries

November 3, 2012

I am sorry for your loss may Jehovah comfort your family during this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dent Works

November 2, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vega family.

Lelia P Stelly

November 2, 2012

Adrian was an inspiration to our family when we were going through tough times. His love & prayers meant so much to us. He has always showed such kindness to my sister Marie that has been employeed by him for many years. They were best of friends. Marie showed great respect for Adrian & Miss Rita and was not afraid to let them know that she cared about them personally. I know Marie has missed Adrian's presence at the dealership since his illness. But she continued to show her support through cards & prayers & chatting with Tino. The entire Vega family is in our prayers. We loved Adrian for who he was. Not for what he had to give, except for his gift of kindness to human life. Thanks Adrian for caring about our family. We love you. Tootsie's Angels (family of Marie Aucoin)

George Armbruster

November 2, 2012

Sorry for your loss. My wife's brother also died yesterday and am with her to make arrangements, so am unable to be there in person but you are all in our prayers.

Sid, Pat & Sid Jr. Turner

November 2, 2012

Our most sincere sympathy to the Vega family. We have fond memories of him visiting Vegas for the professional boxing matches. May the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand and give you peace during this difficult time..

Patty Smith

November 2, 2012

My Prayers go out to the Vega family. I am proud to know that I was one of the fortunate one to not only meet Mr Vega, but also be employed by his wonderful family & staff at Acadiana Dodge. Mr Adrian & Mr Tino you are loved by many & I could not ask for better employers. They were always involved with their employees & very giving people. You will be sadly missed.
With deepest Sympathy,
Patty Burrows Smith

Kim Graham

November 1, 2012

Dear Vega family,
It is with deep regret that I did not get to tell Adrian how much his flag meant to me and my family. When we lost our son in Iraq 5 years ago, that big beautiful flag met us on our daily travels. It healed our souls and we recognized it as not only a symbol for the country we loved, but the community that embrased us. We knew of Mr. Vega's generous spirit and knew he flew his flag with love of all that is right and good. May God hold you close in this hard time.

Janet Roussell

November 1, 2012

My heart and prayers go out to all of you. You have survived such loss in the past years We question but at the same time we accept His will. My deepest sympathy

Janet Roussell

Brooke

November 1, 2012

It was pleasure to have worked for such an amazing person. Adrian, Carlos, Christa, Zach, Blake and the rest of the Vega family you all will always have a place in my heart and just know that you all are in my family's as well as mine prayers. Rest easy Mr. V and watch over us from the great heavens above.

PAUL RAYMOND SMITH

November 1, 2012

It was a great honor to know this great man and have him as a friend. Adrian will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I offer my sympathy and prayers for him and his family.

Betty Badeaux

November 1, 2012

It was my pleasure to be fortunate enough to work for Mr. Vega, Rita and Tino for a short period of time. A very fine family who contributed to the community in a generous manner. He will be missed by many.

November 1, 2012

My prayers go out to the whole family. I was in school with Tino over 45 years ago. All of the family and community has lost a dear man.

M Dawn Frederick

November 1, 2012

My prayers and thoughts are with the Vega family at this time. Sweet Isabel has her Dad with her and I know they are watching over all of us. May God turn your sorrow into comfort and ease your loss.

Steve Leon

October 31, 2012

You will be missed, but never forgotten

Steve Leon

October 31, 2012

Great man,great friend and super employer

vicky fendelander

October 31, 2012

My sympathy and prayers go out to the Vega family they have suffered so much. He was a kind man now he will be with Rita and their daughter. Heavens angles. god bless the family.

Joe Buckley

October 31, 2012

My deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family Christa. Your father was a great man.

Sincerely

Cynthia Picard

October 31, 2012

So sorry for your great loss. Mrs. Tessie, Angie, Chico please know that I am praying for you and the entire Vega family.

Pauline & David Boudreaux

October 31, 2012

Our deepest sympathies to the entire Vega family. I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Adrian, but I know Mrs. Maria, and am very sorry for the loss of your brother. Just know that he is in Heaven and has no more pain. And to my BFF, April, Love you girl, and we are here for you!!!

Vickie Nettles

October 31, 2012

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Adrian Vega, Jr. He was a very generous and community-minded individual. His presence and leadership will be greatly missed by many, especially those in the business community of Acadiana.

Autism Society of Acadiana
Board of Directors and Staff

Natalia Bright

October 31, 2012

My heart and prayers are with the Vega family specially Tino who I know loved his brother dearly. I am so sorry for your loss.

October 31, 2012

Our deepest sympathies to the Vega family on the loss of Adrian. He will be sadly missed.

Julia Guerra
David S Guerra, MD
Felicia Guerra Stephens
Amadeo Guerra
Sergio Guerra
Karen Guerra

George & Adaline Trahan

October 31, 2012

Our deepest sympathy from our family to the Vega family. He was a generous and kind gentleman. He will be missed by all.

Kasha Chamblin

October 31, 2012

The Cheif and Rita taught me so much about love, life, working hard and caring for others. I will miss him dearly as he was an inspiration to both me and my son. A truly great man will be missed but never forgotten. Every time I hear an engine rev, I'll find comfort in knowing that The Chief is visiting me.
My sorrow is met with a sense of peace because I believe that he has gone to be with his Rita and his Bella. I feel extremely honored that he shared his passion for cars with me and always made me feel like a member of his wonderful family--an everlasting gift.
Love you Chief.
Love you Carlos.

Paula Smith-Cook

October 30, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the family. Adrian will be missed by so many. He was a wonderful and generous man. Adrian always reminded my late husband John Smith that he was Adrian's first friend when he arrived in the US. That always made John smile. Rest in Peace Adrian.

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