Rafael E. Villadiego M.D.

May 28, 1937 - September 9, 2021

Rafael E. Villadiego, M.D. of Orlando, Florida passed away at his home next to his wife and eldest son on September 9, 2021. He was born in Cartagena, Colombia, South America. He graduated from the Universidad de Cartagena School of Medicine in December 1963. He completed his internship at Norwegian American Hospital in Chicago, Illinois and completed his pediatric residency at Louisiana State University School of Medicine Charity Hospital. He continued his studies at Charity Hospital and completed a fellowship in pediatric cardiology too. Dr. Villadiego was eventually drafted into the U.S. Army as a Major in 1969 and served as the Chief of Pediatrics at an Army hospital in Okinawa, Japan. In 1971, he was honorably discharged from active duty and went into Army Civilian Service in Japan as a pediatrician. Rafael met the love of his life, Kyoko, while serving his country and they were married for almost 50 years. After returning to the United States in 1975, Dr. Villadiego rejoined the military as a Commander in the U.S. Navy at the Orlando Naval Training Center. He had the honor of serving again as the Chief of Pediatric Service at the Naval Hospital. In 1983, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and transitioned into the Navy Reserve while building his own practice. He had a dream of establishing his own medical practice on Curry Ford Road and served his community through the Orlando Health system for almost 40 years. Dr. Villadiego was well known for providing healthcare to the Hispanic/Latino communities and providing aid to Medicaid recipients. He was one of the pioneer physicians at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children at the time of its construction. In 1995, following 20 years of service, Dr. Villadiego retired from the Navy honorably as Captain in the Medical Corps. He continued to see patients in his own private medical practice until his retirement in 2015. Dr. Villadiego is survived by his two sons Henry and Peter, and a granddaughter Zoe. Dr. Villadiego is expected to be buried at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, FL. Funeral arrangements are entrusted under the care of DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory. Dr. Villadiego’s family invites you to leave a message of condolence or share memories on the Tribute Wall created in his loving memory.