Obituary of Severino N. Villafranca, Jr.

Severino Villafranca Jr, retired bank executive, died peacefully at his home in Staten Island on June 23, 2023, from prostate cancer at the age of 88. Born in 1934 in Calauag, Quezon Province, in the Philippines, Severino graduated from Manuel L. Quezon University and became a lawyer and councilman in his hometown of Gumaca. In 1964 he married his wife, Josefina, and immigrated to New York in 1968. Josefina was a head nurse at Brooklyn V.A. and Severino had a career as a loan officer at Manufacturers Hanover Trust, now Chase Bank. They moved to Staten Island with their children in 1971. Known as Reno to friends and Jun to relatives, he was revered as one who always welcomed guests with his warm and gregarious personality. He and Josefina extended their generosity by sponsoring several friends and family members who wanted to immigrate to the States. Spending his childhood during WWII, he witnessed the cruel atrocities of war, and was determined to always help those in need throughout his lifetime. Reno was a leader in Philippine American social communities in the tri-state area, helping to organize large social events where he could dazzle his wife with ballroom dancing, sing Frank Sinatra tunes, and enjoy the company of his many friends. Reno was also a natural harmonica player who brought a smile to anyone within earshot. He enjoyed playing tennis, and taught his family to play and appreciate the sport. He was equally expert at golf, and was incredibly proud of the day he shot a hole in one. In 1995 he retired from his banking career, and spent his time watching his family grow. By 2005 he had eight grandchildren, whom he doted on with great pride. They called him Nono, a mispronounciation of Lolo in Tagalog. With each visit he would shower them with gifts, especially clothing and shoes from the hippest stores in the mall. Along with his wife, Josefina, Severino is survived by his children Lalaine, Jen, Ken and Sean, his grandchildren Clarisse, Ben, Andrew, John, Evan, Travis, Isabel and Owen, as well as his brother Ray. Jun’s entire family is blessed to have had him as their patriarch, one who has always led by example, with unconditional support, guidance and love.