Port Charlotte, FL. Francis X. Villa 90, a former resident of Franklin and Malden, died Saturday, August 26, 2006 at Peace River Hospital in Port Charlotte, following a long illness.
Born in Uxbridge, January 18, 1916 a son of the late Carlo and Jeannette (Picerella) Villa, he lived in Franklin for most of his life, before moving to Florida 18 months ago.
He was educated in Lawrence, and was a retired chef. He was the first chef employed at the former Caravan Restaurant on Rt. 140 in Franklin, and had also worked at the Stadium Café in Malden and the Rendevous Restaurant in Everett.
During WW II he served in the US Army. Stationed in Hawaii, he was a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack on Dec. 7, 1941. He went on to serve in the Pacific Theater and attained the rank of Staff Sgt. He received the American Defense Service Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with 2 bronze service stars, the WW II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in May, 1945.
He was a Life Member of the Malden Post #639 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Malden Post #69 American Legion, Life member and Past Commander of the Malden Italian American War Veterans, and was the national historian for the Italian American War Veterans. He was also a life member of the DAV, and was an associate member of the Irish American Club in Malden, and the Malden Hybernians. He was a former member of the Malden Eagles and Moose Clubs, and the Franklin Senior Citizens, and the American Assoc. of Retired Persons.
He is survived by a brother: Albert “Blackie” D’Aniello and his wife Nila of Port Charlotte, formerly of Franklin, 6 nieces and nephews, 18 great nieces and nephews, and 21 great grand nieces and nephews.
He was also the brother of the late Madeline Caira.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral with military honors Wednesday at 8:15 AM from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage Street, www.franklinfuneral.com with a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin at 9 AM. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Calling hours are Tuesday from 5 – 8 PM.