Joseph Vilaire Villefranche - Of Somerville April 17, 2023. Beloved husband of Wanique (Thelesmond) Villefranche.

Joseph Viliare Villefranche, also known as Vilaire Villefranche, the fifth child of Altanas Villefranche and Josephine Valentine, was born on January 28, 1956 in Arniquet, a village in Les Cayes.  Vilaire was a dedicated learner.   He left home at an early age to live in Les Cayes with his aunt, Monique, so he may attend school.  Always seeking to better and further his education, Vilaire then sojourned to Port-au-Prince where he lived with distant family members to attend school.  In Port-au-Prince, Vilaire attended Lycee Petion where he did his Retho year, then he went to Jebe Damey where he trained as a mechanic.  After graduation, he worked in Nissan/Datson and then Antiann Motors where he was the lead mechanic.  In June 1982, Vilaire came to the United States.  He settled in Boston where he worked as a mechanic and continued to pursue education and encouraged his children to do the same.

Vilaire was known to say "V" for victory and would get excited to talk about the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.  He stood ready to advise his children and made his option known.  A devoted father, Vilaire took this responsibility very seriously.  A lover of men's fashion and cars.  He loved to look good and smell good.

My most vivid memories of my dad is of him working on cars; either his own or those of his clients.  He would wash and wax his cars by hand religiously every weekend.  He could diagnose a car's issue just by hearing it run.  He was a straight shooter; he did not sugarcoat things.  The last couple of years found Vilaire in poor health.  But he was a fighter and he was hopeful.

Vilaire departed this life on April 17, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Wanique; daughter, Elizabeth; his son, Anderson; his three grandchildren: Ellyssah, Natalia and Ethan; his three siblings: his sister, Anne Marie affectionately known as Selfie, his brother William, affectionately known as Lulu, and his brother Gerald; his uncle Israel; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.  He will be deeply missed.  Go and rest in peace, Pa.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Evangelical Haitian Church, 400 High St., Medford on Saturday April 29th at 9:30AM. Calling Hours will be held in the church prior to mass from 8:30AM to 9:30AM.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

Services will conclude with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.