VILAR, Kenneth
Kenneth Vilar, 65, of the Plantsville section passed away suddenly on Tuesday, (May 8, 2012) at the HCC at Bradley Memorial. He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Rizzo) Vilar. Born July 29, 1946 in Manhattan, NY, the son of Muriel (Lynch) Vilar of Ridge, NY and the late Vincent Vilar. Ken was a sales consultant in the transportation industry for 40 years. His true passion was lacrosse, as he was a founding member of the Southington Lacrosse Association, and in 2002, he was inducted into the Order of the Blue Knights honoring him for his tireless efforts to start Lacrosse in Southington. He was also the former owner and administrator for Nutmeg Sports Camps, and still played an active role in the CT Lightning Girl's Lacrosse Program. Ken was also very active with the Hofstra University Booster Club, where his son Ryan played Division 1 College Lacrosse. He was very dedicated about teaching lacrosse, as he coached the Southington Youth Team up until the day he died. Besides his wife and mother, he leaves his loving children Allison Rohon and husband David of Southington; Aindrea McDowell and husband Shawn of Plantsville; and Ryan Vilar of Southington; five grandchildren who were the apples of his eye, Jillian, Mallory, Chase, Kieran and Kellan; two brothers, Vincent Vilar and wife Carol of Bay Shore, NY and Keith Vilar and Karen of Ridge, NY; mother-in-law Josephine Rizzo of Massapequa, NY; a nephew Keith Vilar; and two nieces Erin and Megan Vilar. He was predeceased by a sister Barbara Vilar. He brought his New York roots to Connecticut for his love of the NY Giants and NY Yankees. Ken's endless energy always kept him busy. He could be found in the kitchen, grilling on his deck, gardening, creating with carpentry, feeding the fish in his pond, or occasionally relaxing outdoors. All of these activities enhanced when shared with his loving family. Ken was very generous with his time, always ready to lend a hand to someone in need. He was spiritual, kind hearted, gregarious, quick witted, and ready to offer an abundance of opinions. His infectious laugh is embedded in the hearts of those who loved him. Ken always gave more than he received. The world is a better place because Ken has planted numerous seeds of love, caring, and empathy during his too short stay. Now we are certain there is a lacrosse team in Heaven!
Memorial calling hours will be held on Monday, May 14, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Southington Lacrosse Association, P.O. Box 345, Southington, CT 06489. For online condolences and directions please visit, www.dellavecchiafh.com.
