Robert Villafana Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of ROBERT LUIS VILLAFANA on September 14th 2023 in Whitestone, VA.He was laid to rest with military honors on Thursday, September 21st in nearby Kilmarnock, Virginia, at which time his wife was presented with the Vietnam Era Veteran Service Pin approved by the U S Congress.Luis was born in Hamilton, Bermuda where his father piloted ships. After graduating from Mount Saint Agnes Academy, Luis studied at the University of Maryland and subsequently joined the U S Army in 1966, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, trained as a diver and served in Vietnam from 1968-69, commanding a dive team often divers and, among other decorations, was awarded the Bronze Star medal.Upon his discharge from the Army in 1969, Luis entered the furniture business where he remained for the rest of his professional life. After working for Ethan Allen furniture from 1970-1981, he established his own firm and entered upon a long and highly successful career in international sales.He met his wife, Georgine Sandelli Villafana, at Mount Saint Agnes Academy in Bermuda and they ran the furniture company together until Luis retired and they moved to the Northern Neck in Virginia. In retirement Luis enjoyed long trips on his motorcycle, traveling the world with his wife, target shooting, and touring Israel with a long time friend. He re-established contact with his Vietnam divers and sought to assist them with numerous issues relating to the Vietnam conflict and veteran support.He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Georgine, daughters Christina and Danielle, son Marc, brother Allan, and three grandsons. Luis was preceded in death by his parents. Lillian Petty Villafana of Bermuda and Pedro Jose Villafana of Cienfuegos, Cuba. Georgine Villafana 649 Flowering Field Whitestone, VA 22578 [email protected]