Francisco 'Panchito' Villarini

Francisco Villarini, age 96, of Bridgeport, the widower of Ana Villarini, entered into peaceful rest Tuesday, February 11, 2020 in St. Vincent's Medical Center surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Francisco affectionately known as Panchito was born July 4, 1923 in Ponce, Puerto Rico; the beloved son of the late Rafael Villarini Sr. & Ovidal (Vidal) Villarini. Francisco was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. In his younger years he enjoyed playing baseball and was in the Double-A division with dreams to become a professional ball player. Instead, Francisco was drafted into the U.S. Army during WWII. Francisco proudly served his country as a technician in the 2703rd Engineer Dump Truck Company. During his service, Francisco received many recognitions including the: American Theater Service Metal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Metal with a bronze star, 5 Overseas Service Bars, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Once he return from war he married the love of his life, Ana Maria (Rosado) Villarini; they spent over 60 years together before her passing in 2010. Francisco was a caring and gentle soul who was loved and admired by all. He enjoyed fishing, helping others, and spending time with his family. Francisco will be missed deeply by all who had the honor of knowing him. Along with his parents and wife, Francisco was predeceased by his brother, Rafael Vallarini Jr. Francisco is survived by his: goddaughter, Iris Reyes (Pedro Reyes III) of Stratford; dearest friends, Pablo Otero of Shelton, Jenny Cornwell of England, David Otero of Shelton; three grandchildren, Pedro Reyes IV, Joseph Reyes, Jennifer Reyes; eight great-grandchildren, David Gonzalez Jr., Jasmine Reyes, Pedro Reyes V, Raymond Maldonado, Jocelyn Reyes, Xavier Reyes, Alyana Reyes, Luis Daniel Rodriguez Jr.; special caretakers, Nancy Thomas & Madeline Delgado; and a host of extended family and friends who will cherish his memory. Friends may greet the family on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 6:00pm-9:00pm and Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 9:00am - 10:00am at Community Funeral Chapels, 798 Park Ave. Bridgeport, CT. 06604.Tel: 203-334-9999. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Wednesday to St. Mary R.C. Church, 25 Sherman St, Bridgeport, CT. 06608. Interment will proceed to Lakeview Cemetery, 885 Boston Ave. Bridgeport, CT. 06610. Share a special memory or light a virtual candle at communityfuneralchapels.com. Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Francisco "Panchito" Villarini, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. First Visitation Tuesday, February 18th, 2020 6:00pm - 9:00pm, Community Funeral Chapels 798 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604 Second Visitation Wednesday, February 19th, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am, Community Funeral Chapels 798 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604 Service Information Wednesday, February 19th, 2020 10:30am, St. Mary Church 25 Sherman St. Bridgeport, CT 06608 Interment Location Lakeview Cemetery 880 Boston Ave Bridgeport, CT