Raphael Villar

Sergeant Major Villar served as a Combat infantryman in Korea and Vietnam.  He was a Senior Parachutist serving with the 82nd Airborne, 187th Airborn, and the 63rd Signals Battalion.

Ralph was born on April 8, 1929 to Sixta and Rafael Villar in San Diego. He lived in San Diego till 1948 at which time he enlisted in the US Army with the 82nd Airborne Division. He retired in 1977 as a Command Sergeant Major, after serving 29 years to our country. 

He resided in Salinas, California from 1976, after traveling with the Army throughout the world. He was married to the love of his life, Jacquline Villar, who proceeded him in death, for 66 years.   

Ralph served two wars and was highly awarded and recognized throughout his service. 

After retirement from the Army, Ralph worked many positions that helped so many individuals, but especially sought out areas that helped veterans, those less fortunate or needed guidance in life. He never wanted to retire, but finally did at the age of 80. 

At the age of 70, Ralph took up running and completed 3 Big Sur Marathons and 1 Silicon Valley Marathon along with 35 other distance running events. Ralph logged over 6700 running miles. 

Ralph was an avid golfer, loved watching the San Francisco 49ers and Golden State Warriors play. 

His greatest gift was giving back to his country and community. Ralph volunteered with so many organization that help to make people and places better in this world. 

He also donated gallons of blood.  Ralph received many accolades, awards and recognition for his passion to volunteer. 

Ralph was a devoted family man. Strong in his love, guidance and determination. He showed this quality until the very end of life, fighting hard to make it to his 94th birthday, before he took his last breath. 

Ralph leaves behind a legacy. He is missed immensely by his 4 children and their spouses, 6 grandchildren along with many surviving relatives. 

Live by his motto: Be Happy,  Be Healthy & Be Kind. Do more than what’s required. 

MEDALS-RIBBONS: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Army Commendation w/OLC, Good Conduct (7), Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service, Korean Service w/3 Stars, Vietnam Service w/4 Stars, United Nations Service, RVN Campaign w/60 Device.