David Albert Villaire

David A. Villaire, 82, of Torrance, CA, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023. Born in Detroit, Michigan on February 6, 1941 to Francis and Yvonne (Raymond) Villaire. David graduated from St. Mary of Redford High School and University of Detroit and received his Master’s Degree from Wayne State University. He lived in France and Germany for two years before returning to receive his PhD in Romance Languages with a specialty in French Literature from the University of Michigan. In 1972, he co-found an off-off broadway theatre company in New York City. As the theatre producer, director, and playwright for Hamm & Clov Stage Company, he translated original plays from Germany and France that went on to be seen at international theatre festivals in Edinburgh and Berlin. As an actor, he performed under the stage name David Desjardins at the Missouri Repertory Theatre. Upon moving to California in the late 1970’s he wrote numerous pieces of televised animation (i.e. The Smurfs), as well as an afterschool screenplay for television that inspired many young people. In the early 1980s, he moved to Los Angeles, California and was a writer for Hanna-Barbera and Filmation. In 1982, he was writing for 12 different series, and in 1983 he became story editor for 3 of the 12 series, which included Super Friends. He created the character El Dorado, the only Latino Super Friend. His writing extended from 1980-1994 with episodes of Sonic the Hedgehog, and he created a character based on one of his friends. He also wrote for Scooby Doo, creating the character of Scrappy Doo. In addition, David wrote: 62 episodes of The Smurfs; 19 episodes of the Godzilla cartoon; 16 episodes of Dinky Dog; and several after school specials. Late in life, David received a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology and became a practicing licensed psychotherapist. At this time he was semi-retired, working with seniors at LA Jewish Family Service focusing on concentration camp survivors. In 1995-2007 his writing was analytical and critical dealing with psychology. Outside of work, David was a talented guitarist and pianist. He had eclectic interests that included ham radio, motorcycles, and line dancing. He could often be found at one of the many beaches in Los Angeles. Dave was a special person. He made lasting impressions on everyone he knew and was greatly loved by his entire family. David’s magnetic and charismatic personality in combination with his compassion for others is visible in his writing and personal relationships. He always took time to get to know every person in the room. He will be lovingly missed by all who knew him. David is survived by his sister-in-law Kathleen (Phillip) Villaire; nieces and nephews Michael (Debbie) Villaire, David (Dawn) Villaire, Catherine (Dave) Abbott, Anne Marie (Enrique Trullio) Villaire, Louis (Joan Axthelm) Villaire, Isabelle Villaire, Theodore (Christine Makarewicz) Villaire, Jacqueline (David) Desposato, Francis (Deanne) Villaire, Christine Villaire, and Steve (Christine Austin) Villaire; great nieces and nephews Joshua (Mavia) Villaire, Nick Villaire, Marc (Lorne)Villaire, Danielle (Josh) Faulkner, Brian (Amanda) Villaire, Bethany Villaire, Alyssa Villaire, Leah Desposato, Alec Villaire, Andrew (Micaela) Villaire, Brooke Desposato, Aidan Villaire, Michael Abbott, Omar Trullio, Annaliese Villaire, Emma Abbott, Gus Villaire, Adam Villaire, Audrey Villaire, and Bella Axthelm; great-great nieces and nephews Cam Villaire, Bella Faulkner, Brynlee Villaire; former wife Holly Villaire; former sister-in-law Louise Holbel (Raymond Villaire). David was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Raymond Villaire, Philip Villaire, James Villaire and Martin Villaire. He is laid to rest alongside his parents and 4 brothers in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Ira Township, Michigan. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of David have been asked to consider Alzheimer's Los Angeles Chapter (alzheimersla.org) or Jewish Family Service in Los Angeles (jfsla.org).

David Albert Villaire

February 6, 1941 - October 8, 2023