Gerado J. "Jerry" Villani

Gerardo J. Villani, age 90, of Naples FL, formerly of Wayland and Needham, MA, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024, with his children by his side.

Known as “Jerry” to family and friends, he was predeceased by his beloved wife of 54 years Lillian “Lil” (Kerwin McNicholas) Villani, and his former wife Barbara (Stober) Villani. 

Jerry was the son of the late Fiorentino and Maria (Pellegrini) Villani of Boston, MA, and brother of the late Anita Mazzuco, Josephine “Josie” Zambello, Faustino “Sonny” Villani and Anthony “Rudy” Villani. Jerry was the father of Gerard J. (Ann) Villani, Jr., Cheryl Ann Villani and Marcel F. (Diane) Villani, the grandfather of Christina (Todd) Keating, and great grandfather of Oliver Keating.  He was the stepfather of Joan M. Roman and the late Stephen McNicholas, Marilyn McNicholas Bishop and Clare McNicholas, and step grandfather of Dennis Roman (Angela O’Neil), Caroline (Gregory) Duffy, Megan Bishop and Nicholas Bishop. Step great grandfather to Rory Duffy.  Jerry was also uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was a graduate of Brighton High School and Northeastern University, (Chemistry). He attended Boston University (Liberal Arts program), MIT (Advanced Chemistry courses), and Phillips Academy (Executive Dev. Program). He was employed by the Bayer Corporation, H.C. Starck Corporation, Norton Company and the National Research Corporation.

Jerry was a generous, loving and caring man who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved to entertain and had much interest in photography and stock market investing.  In addition, he excelled at playing tennis and golf. 

A Celebration of Life and the Villani legacy will take place at the Eaton Funeral Home, Needham MA on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. with interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Needham, MA.  A remembrance reception luncheon for family and friends will immediately follow.

Donations may be made in memory of Jerry to the Alzheimer’s Association online at https://alz.org/donate, or send a check to: Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011

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