Peter J. Villari, 89, of Wayland MA, Ossipee Lake NH and formerly Winchester MA died peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, January 8, 2010. Born in Cambridge MA, he was the son of the late Philip and Fortunata (Mangano) Villari.
During World War II, Peter served with the 857th Bomb Squad/492nd Bomb Group of the Army Air Force. He flew 33 missions over the English Channel and worked with the French underground. When his own plane and crew were shot down over occupied France, they escaped the Germans by hiding in empty wine barrels. His service in the war only fueled his lifelong passion for historical war facts and novels.
After the war, he returned to work with his father, brother and uncle at the family business, Universal Laundry and Unibrite Linen, in Somerville, MA. He retired 30 years ago to enjoy his family and his “Camelot”.
In 1953, he purchased a lot of land overlooking Ossipee Lake. Summer after joyful summer, as his family grew; he masterfully built his own unique home, patiently and lovingly attending to the smallest of details. He named it “Camelot”.
Predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary Politi Villari, he is survived by his son, Phillip and his wife Gloria of Wayland; four grandchildren, Michelle, Nicolle, Christa and David; his daughter, Mary Ann of New York City and his sister, Anne Talarico of Belmont.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday January 12 in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Winchester at 10AM Visitation in the funeral home on Monday from 5-8PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ossipee Lake Alliance, to the Peter Villari memorial fund, PO Box 173 Freedom, NH 03836