Obituary of Joseph Villani

Milo - Joseph Villani. 96, husband of the late Arlene Elizabeth (Hamlin) Villani, died May 21, 2017, at Pleasant Meadow Estate in Dover-Foxcroft.  He was born March 8, 1921, in Waterbury, CT, the son of Louis J.B. and Rose (Hamlin) Villani.  When he was two years old his family moved to Waverly, MA, while his father attended law school.  In 1927, the family moved to Portland, ME, and finally, to Milo in 1929. He graduated from Milo High School in 1940.  After graduation, he went to work at the Thurston & Kingsbury (T&K) Store and subsequently the Atlantic & Pacific (A&P) Store, where he later became manager.

In 1944, he entered the US Navy as a Third Class Storekeeper in the Seabees, serving in the South Pacific.  He was discharged from the Navy March 15, 1946.  He returned home to Milo and served as an apprentice under the local barber, Harry Cowing, for 18 months under the G.I. Bill, at which time he went to Augusta and passed the Barber’s Examination.

He had his own barbershop for 62 years, from 1948 to 2010 in six locations, all in Milo.  His customers enjoyed haircuts, head buffs, coffee, free advice, and lots of laughs and conversation.  His shop was kiddingly referred to as the cultural center of Milo.

From 1990 to 1994 he also worked as a part time rural mail carrier in Milo.  He had been a member of the United Baptist Church of Milo since 1963, where he was actively involved, including serving as choir member, moderator, building committee member, and as a trustee for 16 years.  He had been a member of the Joseph P. Chaisson American Legion Post No. 41 since 1946.

He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Arlene, in 1994; a son, Joseph Martin Villani; a brother, Ralph Louis Villani; two sisters, Ralphline Cole and Rose Hamlin; and a faithful friend and companion, Nellie Willinski.  He is survived by a brother, Louis J.B. Villani and his companion, Cindy of Millinocket; a stepson, Robert Omar Hathorn and his wife Eloise of Milo; 2 step-grandchildren, Robert Omar Hathorn Jr. and his wife Michelle of Hampden, and Jeffery Scott Hathorn of Milo; 5 great step-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit 10am Wednesday, May 24, 2017, until time of funeral service at 11am at the Lary Funeral Home, Milo, with Pastor Phil McGlauflin officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the United Baptist Church, 8 Pleasant St., Milo 04463.  Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.