William Henry Patrick Villa

"> William Henry Patrick Villa
William Henry Patrick Villa, 87, of Allentown, died May 30, 2011 in his home under the care of St. Lukes Hospice and his family. Born in Allentown, Bill was a son of the late William and Marguerite (Dougherty) Villa. He was the loving husband of Helen M. (Morrissey) Villa and they celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on April 10, 2011. Bill was a 1941 graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School. He was inducted into the United States Army on February 8, 1943 and was a veteran of World War II, rising to the rank of Sergeant in the Medical Corps. He participated in combat in the Rhineland area of central Europe. Bill later joined Special Forces and was a singer in an Army swing band, entertaining his fellow soldiers and performing on radio broadcasts. He was honorably discharged on February 1, 1946. Bill loved the beach and swimming and with longtime friend Bob Hertzog was credited with saving the life of a drowning swimmer at Saylors Lake. He was a longtime co-worker at Hesss department store in Allentown, serving as a buyer and manager of the mens clothing and fur departments. He was a member of Rotary Club, Lions Club, and the Allentown Better Business Bureau. In 1989, he retired from a successful career in local retail as vice president of Benioff Furs in Allentown. A devoted husband, and an exemplary father, Bills outgoing nature, terrific sense of humor, and ability to make and keep lifelong friends will be remembered as his defining qualities. He was a member of the Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena and served as a volunteer at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest for 19 years. Survivors:Wife; children, Bill, and his wife Angie, of Allentown, Francesca Villa Gallagher, of Allentown, Joe, and his wife Gina, of Jamison, PA, and Kate, and her husband Joe DiMaria, of Allentown; sister, Patricia Sanders, of Palmetto, FL; grandchildren Patrick, Jake, Gabrielle, and Gianni Villa, and Patrick DiMaria; and great-granddaughter, Shiloh Villa. He was predeceased by a caring son-in-law, Hugh P. Gallagher; and a beloved granddaughter, Sheena Villa. Services:Arrangements entrusted to Robert C. Weir Funeral Home, 18th & Turner Sts., Allentown. Calling hours 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 2 and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 3 at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, June 3, noon, at the Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena, 18th & Turner Sts. Allentown. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Wescosville PA. Contributions:Donations to St. Lukes Hospice, 1510 Valley Center Parkway, Suite 200, Bethlehem, PA 18017 and Bishop Thompson Scholarship Fund at the Cathedral Church of St. Catherine of Siena, 210 N. 18th St. Allentown PA 18104.