Patsy J. Villano, 90, passed away Oct. 15, 2023.
Born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1933, to Tony and Mary (Veres) Villano, Patsy's formative years were spent with his six siblings on Youngstown's east side. Later, his family relocated to Hubbard, where he graduated from Hubbard High School in 1950.
After honorably serving in the U.S. Army, Patsy pursued higher education at Youngstown University. Back in the area, he crossed paths with the woman who would become the love of his life, Frances Sotkovsky. Their love story blossomed, leading to their union in 1956 in Hubbard, and the subsequent birth of their two children, Maureen (Grace) and Paul. They raised their family in Hubbard until 1976 when his job opportunities took the family to Troy, Mich.
With an unparalleled work ethic, Patsy began his professional journey as a draftsman at firms such as Westinghouse Electric and Wean Industries. His career led him to move to Michigan to assume the role of sales manager at USI/Clearing. Later opportunities took him to Chicago and then back to Michigan with General Motors Corp., where his expertise led him to travel to Japan and Germany more than 40 times. Eventually, Patsy concluded his distinguished career with the Auto/Steel Partnership as an engineering consultant before he and Frances returned to their beloved Hubbard.
A man of many talents and passions, Patsy was an exceptional golfer and saxophonist. He worked during his early days at Henry Stambaugh golf course and enjoyed golfing escapades across the U.S. and Scotland. With self-taught saxophone skills, he enjoyed being a member of a local dance band, performing at various events. Moreover, his commitment to his community was evident in his myriad volunteering roles - coaching basketball at St. Pat's, serving as president of the Kiwanis Club, an active part of the parks and recreation board and a longtime member of Knights of Columbus.
Together with Frances, Patsy built a life full of adventures, creating great friendships along the way. They enjoyed traveling the across the United States and created fond memories with many summer getaways to Wildwood, N.J. They found great joy spending holidays with family and watching their grandchildren in plays, sports, cheerleading and other activities. He cherished each of his six grandchildren and enjoyed watching them blossom into incredible adults.
He is survived by his daughter, Maureen Grace of Hinsdale; his son, Paul (Cathy) Villano; his grandchildren, Nolan, Madison and Jack Grace and Emily, Eric and Ethan Villano; and his brother, Anthony (Carmel) Villano.
He is proceeded in death by his wife, Frances; his brothers, Eugene and Gerald; and his sisters, Carol Cizmar, Eileen Kalcie and Kathy Fry.
Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
