Dr. Adrian V. Villarin, age 82, of Richmond, Indiana passed away in his home surrounded by his family on February 19th, 2022 after battling a long illness. He was born on June 21, 1939 in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental Philippines to Eudoxia and Nicasio Villarin.
After obtaining his Liberal Arts degree in Pre-Med at the University of the Philippines in Diliman in 1958, Adrian’s studies were interrupted for three years during which time he worked in the family sugarcane farm business.
In 1966, he obtained a medical diploma from The University of the East and joined the staff as an instructor in preventive medicine. It was there he met his future wife, nursing student Evelyn Dumlao.
In 1967, he came to the United States for a rotating internship at Bon Secours Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Evelyn also immigrated shortly thereafter, and they were married at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City in November 1969. They became naturalized citizens in May 1981.
Though in pursuit of a career as a surgeon, Adrian noticed that often friends, colleagues, and even complete strangers (on boats, buses, and planes) would start talking to him, sharing intimate stories, seeking counsel. This led him to wonder, “Do I have ‘talk to me’ written on my forehead?” (His children often wonder if this is genetic.)
Heeding this “calling,” he completed his four-year residency training at the New York School of Psychiatry and started his practice at Weston State Hospital in West Virginia as Assistant Clinical Director.
For 42 years, Dr. Villarin practiced at the Dunn Mental Health Center, Reid Hospital, Richmond State Hospital, at Fayette Memorial Hospital in psychiatric consultations, and in private practice.
In that time he served on Reid’s Board of Directors for nine years, was medical director of Dunn and Richmond State, and was instrumental in the creation of Reid’s psychiatric unit. When he fully retired in 2018 he said, “I haven’t worked a day in my life.”
Perhaps always a farmer at heart, Adrian loved doing yard work and mowing the lawn. Often working well past summer sundown, he and Evelyn cultivated a beautiful garden that is an oasis to all who visit. With no formal training and unable to read sheet music, Adrian also loved playing the piano, guitar, and organ by ear. (His children really wish this was genetic.) He enjoyed singing Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole on the karaoke, listening to jazz records, and playing tennis.
A man of faith, he was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a steadfast believer in Divine Providence and Serendipity.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Cecilia and brother Santiago.
Surviving, in addition to his wife Evelyn, are his children, Neal (Angie) Villarin, Tiffany (Yash Jhaveri) Villarin, and Heather (Erik) Restificar. Grandchildren, Nicasio, Caitlyn, and Bennett.
Adrian was also deeply loved by his siblings, nieces and nephews, and close family friends.
Visitation will be held at Stegall- Berheide- Orr Funeral Home in Richmond, Indiana on February 24, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held in St. Andrew’s Church at 11:00 a.m. on February 25, 2022, with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. The family politely requests masks be worn during the visitation and funeral.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Schools of Richmond, Indiana, or IU Simon Cancer Foundation/GIST Cancer Research “In memory of Adrian Villarin.” Mail to: IU Simon Cancer Center, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207. Online condolences may be shared with the family via the guest book at stegallberheideorr.com.