Paul Villari, Jr. - Long Time Restaurateur of South Jersey Landmark
Paul Villari, Jr., 83 of Cinnaminson, New Jersey, owner operator of Villari’s Milmarian Bar & Restaurant, Palmyra NJ died peacefully at his residence surrounded by his family on December 28. Paul grew up in Palmyra, NJ in the 1930’s where his family operated the Villari Bakery on Market Street delivering fresh bread to the local residents. He attended Palmyra High School where he played football catching the game winning TD pass against Florence High in his last high school game. After graduation he served as a Medic in the U.S. Army for two years in Japan. When Paul returned home he went to work in the family business. His father and mother Paul, Sr. and Natalie, opened Villari’s Milmarian in 1948 (named after their three daughters, Mildred, Mary and Anna), known for its good food and family atmosphere, many loyal customers over the years made the “Mil” their favorite meeting place.
In the early years, Paul worked along with his Father, Mother and six siblings to establish the business. After his Father passed away in 1973, Paul became owner/operator along with his three brothers, Placido, Joseph and John. They resided over the restaurant in the heydays, establishing it as a South Jersey Landmark.
In 1998, Paul purchased his three brother’s interest in the business and over the past twelve years worked with his wife Helen and three sons to carry on the Villari Family restaurant tradition. Recently, the Food Network selected Villari’s Restaurant (villarisrestaurant.com) as their pilot for a new television series created by Mark Summers staring the celebrity Chef Robert Irvine; the show is scheduled to air on January 19, 2011.
When Paul was not at the Restaurant he enjoyed spending time at The Riverton Country Club where he was an honorary 50 year member and had a Hole-in-one on the 16th hole. He developed many lasting friendships with the members and employees of Riverton where he enjoyed playing golf, cards and swimming. Paul was also a founding member of St. Charles Borromeo church in Cinnaminson, NJ.
Paul was the beloved husband for 50 years of Helen, devoted father of Paul III, Phillip (Laurie) and Anthony (Colette), loving Grandfather of Phillip Jr., Alexandra, Olivia, Anthony Jr., Brieana and Nicholas. Dear brother to Placido, Anna Catanzariti, Mary Altopiedi and John and the late Mildred Vinci and Joseph.
Friends and Family are invited to attend the viewing Sunday 2 – 5 pm at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Cinnaminson, NJ. Mass of Christian burial will be held at the Church on Monday 10:30 AM. Memorial donations will be accepted in Paul’s memory to St. Charles Borromeo Church 2500 Branch Pike Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 or the Samaritan Hospice 5 Eves Drive Suite 300 Marlton, NJ 08053.
