
WHITE STONE—Robert L. “Luis” Villafaña, a deep-sea and SCUBA diver with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era and later a senior international furniture sales executive who retired in 2008 after an entrepreneurial sales career of over 40 years, died of complications from prostate cancer on Thursday, September 14, 2023, in White Stone, his retirement home since 2002. He was 80 years old.
Luis was born in Hamilton, Bermuda, where his father piloted ships. After graduating from Mount St. Agnes Academy in Bermuda, he studied at the University of Maryland and subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was commissioned, trained by the Navy as a diver, and served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, commanding a dive team of 10. Among other military decorations, he was awarded the Bronze Star medal.
Upon his discharge from the Army, Luis entered the furniture business, where he remained for the rest of his professional life. After working for Ethan Allen from 1970 to 1981, he established his own firm and entered upon a long and highly successful career in international sales.
He and his wife, Georgine Sandelli Villafaña, met in high school in Bermuda, and married in 1964. They ran their company together until Luis retired, after which they moved to the Northern Neck. In retirement, Luis enjoyed long trips on his motorcycle, traveling the world with his wife, target shooting and touring Israel with his longtime friend. He re-established contact with his Vietnam divers and sought to assist them with numerous issues relating to the Vietnam conflict and veteran support.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Georgine; daughters, Christina of Norfolk, and Danielle of Chesterfield; son, Marc of Falls Church; brother, Allan of Utah; and three grandsons.
Luis was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian Petty Villafaña of Bermuda and Pedro José Villafaña of Cienfuegos, Cuba.
A funeral mass, followed by burial, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 21, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Kilmarnock. In lieu of flowers, and to celebrate Luis’ lifelong love of animals, donations to Northern Neck Partners for Pets (northernneckpartnersforpets.org) would be much appreciated.