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Keith Villamil Obituary
He was born in Troy, son of the late Frank and Jeanne (Roberts) Villamil.
Keith was a graduate of Mechanicville High School and the University of Oneonta. He was a resident of Clifton Park since 1981.
He was employed by the New York State Division of Budget in Albany for more than 30 years and remained in employment until his passing.
Keith was also the founder and president of the Capital United Premier Soccer Program. In founding this program, he envisioned the potential benefits of bringing talented players from across the greater Capital District to train and compete together. By pioneering change through his soccer program, Keith provided advanced instruction and elite competition, allowing players to heighten their level of play and be successful at the collegiate level and beyond. Through Keith's tutelage, the Capital United Premier Soccer Program has developed numerous All-Area, All-Region, All-State, State Players of the Year and All Americans, both at the high school and collegiate levels. The program also has produced numerous State Cup Championship and finalist teams.
In 2012, as a result of Keith's continuous dedication to the game, tireless efforts and selfless devotion to his players, families and soccer community, he was inducted into the Capital District Youth Soccer League Hall of Fame. He has had a profound impact on the lives of so many soccer players and their families.
Keith was the beloved husband of Sharon E. (Cioffi) Villamil; devoted father of Elizabeth Villamil of Ballston Lake and Christopher K. (Tricia) Villamil of Woodbridge, Va; cherished grandfather of Liam and Reese Villamil; caring brother of Marilyn Villamil of Loudonville and Janice (John) DeMarco of Saratoga Springs; and brother-in-law of Michael and Julie Cioffi of Cohoes, Diane Cioffi of Cairo, N.Y., and Thomas Cioffi of Glens Falls. He is also survived by his niece, Angelique Cioffi of Boston, Mass.; and nephews, Nicholas Cioffi of Woodbrige, Va., and Matthew Cioffi of Baltimore, Md.
A funeral will be held at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, from Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route 9, Clifton Park, and then to Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Ushers, where at 9 a.m. a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at the funeral home.
Interment will be at Jonesville Cemetery in Clifton Park.
Contributions in Keith's name can be made to the Thoracic Cancer Research Fund at Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114.
Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Keith Villamil
The Brinsko Family
December 9, 2021
We want you to know that we often think about Keith and his dedication to the soccer program that our daughter Brooke was a part of for so long. We hope you are finding some peace in the memories you have of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always!
January 4, 2013
Cassandra and the McNitt family were saddened to hear of Keith's passing. Keith's coaching made Cassandra a better and successful college player. Please know you are in our prayers.
Joe Rogers
December 30, 2012
Mrs Villamil, Liz & Chris-
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Villamil passing and my deepest sympathies go out to you. Mr. Villamil was one of my first soccer coaches and he became more than a coach over the many years of playing soccer with Chris and he as our coach. I will never forget his endless energy, passion and kindness. He will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joe Rogers
Amanda Byers
December 26, 2012
Dear Villamil Family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you all.Keith was an inspiration to us all at HC his smile was always a delight.Keith will be missed.We are truly sorry for your loss.
Robert Jones
December 20, 2012
Sharon, Liz and Chris,
Donna and I, Cass, Slade and Amber express our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy for your loss of Keith. Our families shared such a great friendship and so many unforgettable memories over the years when the kids were growing up. We will always remember Keith's smile and his dedication to the young people of our community. Though he is lost to us, he is still loved. Though he is gone from us, he is not forgotten. You remain in our prayers.
Bob and Donna Jones and Family.
December 19, 2012
To the Villamil Family,
Keith coached my daughter Holly. I am very sorry for your loss. He taught Holly a lot about goal keeping. Keith was always kind to our family. The soccer community has lost a great coach.
Peggy Tufo
December 19, 2012
Dear Villamil Family,
I offer my deepest condolences to you at this time of loss. Keith was a great man and coach. I consider it an honor to have played for him. When I think back to my youth soccer career it is without question Keith was an integral part of it. His passion and energy will be missed.
Sympathies,
Erika Van Zandt
December 18, 2012
Dear Villamil family,
My deepest sympathies go out to you. I count myself lucky to have reconnected with Keith on the sidelines just recently... so I hold a fresh memory of Keith doing what he loved - teaching the game. He touched so many lives, and gave so much of himself. I'm grateful to have known such a good man, and will keep him and your entire family in my prayers.
Affectionately, Winnie Corrigan
Karen ,Kevin, Kate and Kiera Barrett
December 18, 2012
Sharon, Liz and Chris, we are so deeply saddened to hear of Keith's passing. He was truly a remarkable person instrumental in shaping the lives of our daughters Kate and Kiera. Thank you for sharing him.
December 18, 2012
December 18, 2012
December 18, 2012
December 18, 2012
Margaret Hatch
December 18, 2012
Sadly I was not able to attend Keith's wake last night. Sharon and family, Keith was a wonderful man. I've had the pleasure of working with him for 3 short years but he is really a stand up guy. He will be deeply missed as a one of kind. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Matt Chura
December 18, 2012
Sharon, Chris & Liz - I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Keith brought so much passion and energy for life and influenced many people in profound ways. He was such a caring man, husband, father, colleague and true friend. I was blessed to have been around him and his influence shaped my approach to coaching kids. We built great memories together. I will cheerish forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
December 17, 2012
December 17, 2012
December 17, 2012
December 17, 2012
December 17, 2012
Ajai Singh
December 17, 2012
Villamil Family,
We will always remember Keith smiling and coaching the Cap U girls. We will keep him in our prayers. May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.
Singh Family
Kathy Lewek
December 17, 2012
Dear Liz and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Keith was a great coach and we were so lucky to be part of The Capital United Soccer program. He was an inspiration, teaching not only the girls but parents as well. As we sit at athletic competitions to this day, my husband remembers Keith's words, "Sit back, enjoy the game and let me do the coaching!" We will never forget his energy, passion and love for the game. He always found ways to capitalize on the strengths of the player and ultimately helping girls use them in the game of soccer and the game of life. He will always be remembered and may you find comfort in your wonderful memories of Keith.
With deepest sympathies,
Kathy, Dave, Emily and Alex Lewek
Fowler Family
December 17, 2012
Liz and Family,
We were so sad to hear of Keith's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. I want to thank Keith for everything he has done for Kaleigh both as a player and a person. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Michelle Gorman
December 17, 2012
Sharon & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. May you know that he will always be with you in spirit.
December 17, 2012
Liz and family
The soccer community has lost a very large presence...It was a pleasure to know Keith personally and to see the love he had for his "kids" in soccer. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. A friend....
December 17, 2012
Dear Sharon,Liz and Chris.
We are deeply sadden by the news of Keith's passing. Our family and especially our daughter had the privileged of knowing and playing for Keith. For close to 9 years Keith was a huge part of life, a daily name in our household. He was part of our family. Keith not only had a profound impact on our daughter, but also our whole family. Without Capital United we would not have the friends, trips and life's lessons that we have now. Our daughter's life and direction would not be the same without Keith's guidance, dedication, commitment and persistance that he not only taught on the field, but has carried with her through college and her professional career. Although our children are not adults and no longer play soccer, I do have other family members that do and to this day there is not a game that goes by that I attend, that I don't yell out; "Get On Your Horse". We are truly blessed to have known such a great man. I am so sorry that Keith could not have won this match..... R.I.P God Bless, Buck, Michele, Sammi and Scott Harder.
Shari Noonan
December 17, 2012
Dear Liz and Family,
Ever since Callie joined Cap U over a year ago we have never once doubted she was in the right place. She learned so much from your Dad, not just about soccer but also about how to conduct herself on the field and in life. Callie had such respect for Coach Keith. She told me that he taught her everything she knows about soccer and that she will never be able to step on a soccer field without hearing his voice in her head, still coaching her from above.
You will be with us always Keith,
The Noonan family,
Shari, Chris, Callie and Olivia
Donisha
December 17, 2012
I was so sad to hear about Keith. Words cannot express how wonderful he was. I will miss his laugh, smile, and wonderful words of encouragement. Keith will be greatly missed.
December 17, 2012
Dear Liz & Family
Words cannot describe the profound loss we all feel. We were so fortunate to have Keith in our lives these past four years, and are so grateful for the time he spent working with and teaching the girls not only how to become better soccer players, but to become better athletes, competitors and people. He had a unique ability to see the best in each player and bring that out on the field. The lessons he taught our girls in the brief time we knew him will remain with them for a lifetime. We will truly miss seeing him pace the sidelines and hearing his familiar voice. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck, Sheila & Julia Voss
Brenton & Katie Pinkus
December 17, 2012
Liz and Family,
It is with deepest sympathy that we express our condolences to all of you. We have such heavy hearts at this time as Keith was such a large part of Hannah and Grace's soccer career. We knew right from the tryouts that Capital United was where we belonged. Keith always made us feel like family. Constantly encouraging our girls to step up and truly made them feel special. He will be so missed by us.
And I quote from my daughter, Hannah..."From now on...I play for Keith"
Much love you
Brenton, Katie, Hannah, Grace and Lucy Pinkus
A Soccer Referee
December 17, 2012
Liz & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of saddness. I only knew Coach Villamil through the eyes of a referee. He was an intense personality; but he respected the game and all of the people associated with it. This speaks volumes about the man and person that he was. As we read the words offered in this Guest Book to his memory, we get a glimpse of the positive influence that he has had on 100's of young people over the years. With that in mind, we all must grieve the passing of this special man, but I also hope that we take time to celebrate the life he led, the many lives that he has influenced, and to take God for having been given the opportunity to know him.
The Rotondi/Brancato Family
December 17, 2012
Sharon, Chris, Liz and Family,
We are so sad to hear of Keith passing. He was the heart of our soccer teams growing up. He was an inspiration to us all. He had so much energy and love and what he has done for all of us will never be forgotten. Keith was a wonderful mentor and great friend, who will be missed tremendously. There are no words to express how saddened we are by his passing. Our love and prayers go out to all of you. God Bless!
LaPlant Family
December 17, 2012
Liz and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. It seems like just yesterday that Brit was invited to play for CU in the Thanksgiving Day Tournament, Keith immediately made her feel welcome and he has impacted her and our lives ever since. His vision, strength, leadership, passion for life and dedication to the sport of soccer will live on in the lives of many forever. Keith, on behalf of Brit, thank you so very much for giving us players your devoted attention, the countless hours you put in to make us better soccer players and more importantly better people. Keith was not only a soccer Coach to the girls but an inspiration, a friend and a teacher. He will truly be missed, but will live on forever in the hearts of the many, many people he touched. Thank you Keith.
Tracey Marshman
December 17, 2012
To the Villamil Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Keith was a truly wonderful man. He will be missed terribly at DOB. I enjoyed working with him, talking with him, and sharing stories. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Richard Burkhammer
December 17, 2012
Dear Villamil Family,
Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you. In our lives there are very few individuals that truly have a profound impact. When I first met Keith I immediately recalled the individual in my life and I knew Keith would have the same impact on my daughter. As the girls that Keith coached become young women, and in a moment of honest reflection, they will realize that soccer was a small part of what Keith taught them. Keith instilled self-confidence through setting high expectations, teaching them how to achieve those expectations, establishing and meeting goals, overcoming failure, and finally learning how to handle stress. Keith was much more than a soccer coach, he taught our girls life skills that will forever impact their lives.
Thank you for sharing Keith with us.
With Sympathy,
Rich Burkhammer
Jim, Tanya & Veda Hensel
December 16, 2012
Liz & Family,
One of the best decisions we ever made as parents, was bringing Veda to an October tryout many years ago. Both of you took her under your wing and have given her more than we could ever have asked for. We thank you Sharon, and your family for sharing Keith so graciously with us on so many nights and weekends. It was, and will always be some of our most cherished memories of him. Keith will be missed on that field, but will always be in our hearts. With love,
Rich, Lisa & Stephanie Burkhammer
December 16, 2012
Dear Liz & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Keith was such a special person and dedicated soccer coach. He truly adored all of his players and saw potential in each and every one of them. He not only taught our girls the game of soccer, but how to set goals, push themselves and never give up. We will sincerely miss his presence on the field. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 16, 2012
Liz & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Keith was a great coach who knew how to bring out the best in each of his players. He did so much for the club and for the girls. Amanda really enjoyed playing for him and learned so much. He will be greatly missed by all.
~Janek, Kelly, Amanda & Amy Chrzanowski
Elena, Carl, Peter & Karyn Cioppa
December 16, 2012
Dear Liz and family - We were shocked and saddened to hear of your father's passing. We all have so many fond memories of him and the "glory days" of "Blue Thunder". Karyn learned so much from Keith and uses it today to coach her high school girls varsity team. His passing is a great loss to Capital Region girls soccer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Bif & Maureen Fage
December 16, 2012
Liz and Sharon,
Please accept our condolences. We cannot express how important Keith was to the development of Katie and Maggie both as soccer players and young women. He will be sorely missed.
Joanne Cahalan
December 16, 2012
Liz & family, we are so sorry for your loss. Keith was a great soccer coach as well as a friend. He was so dedicated to the girls and was always trying to motivate them and help them reach the next level. We will never forget Keith yelling "get on your horse!" or "one touch!" and showing the girls how to do moves from the sideline. The memories we have of Keith will last forever. I know without Keith I would not be the same player and person I am today.
Thank you Keith for everything, you will be missed dearly.
Deepest sympathies,
Joanne, Bob, and "Blue" Cahalan
December 16, 2012
Liz and family
We are so very sorry for your loss. Keith was a kind man and a great coach. We are happy our daughter had the opportunity to be coached by your dad. Thoughts and prayers.
The Penzebenes
Marci Tebbano
December 16, 2012
To Liz and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember playing for Capital United for Keith and Liz many years ago. He was such a great man and one of my biggest fans as a coach. He will be missed greatly!
December 16, 2012
To the Villamil Family,
We send our condolences in the passing of Keith. We had many learning experiences with Keith and Liz through Cap. United with our daughter Sarah. Glad to have met Keith and seen his true ideals while coaching the girls. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Lonergan Family
December 16, 2012
Dear Liz and Family,
We were very saddened to hear of your dad's passing. He was such a great force and touched many people, including us. He will be greatly missed. Judy and Liz Tarbox
December 16, 2012
Liz and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Keith was a great man and a wonderful coach. He was like a "soccer dad" to Brooke and a mentor to other aspiring coaches. He truly touched all of our lives. We learned a lot from him and will miss him deeply.
With deepest sympathy,
Dan, Lara, Brooke, and Paige Brinsko
Victoria Lovett
December 16, 2012
Sharon, Liz, Chris, and family. There are no words to express the sorrow and sadness that fills my heart. The world has lost a great one that heaven has now gained. I'm so sorry for you loss. With all my deepest sympathies and love.
December 15, 2012
To the Villamil Family, thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. It was always an absolute joy to watch the Capital United girls!
Our Sympathy,
Darcy Rabideau
Melissa LaClair
(Kayla Rabideau's Aunts)
Denise Romer
December 15, 2012
Dear Liz and family,
We are so saddened by the news of Keith's passing. He was such an influencial coach to our girls. His energy and passion for soccer were know by all as he inspired those around him. He will truly be missed. Our sincere condolences to you all.
Rich, Denise, Megan & Alison
Hector Roig
December 15, 2012
Liz and Villamil Family,
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Keith. We have you and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers. We have a lot of respect for Keith. His contagious energy, dedication and selfless devotion to the sport of soccer was unmatched, admirable and inspiring to my family. He was a great role model and had a very positive influence on my daughter Caitlyn. We are very happy to have known him and will miss him dearly.
Meghann Cancio-Bello
December 15, 2012
To the Villamil Family,
This news brings us deep sadness. In the time that we were able to spend with Keith we came to fully appreciate him as a coach and as an individual. What devotion he had to his players and club, the hours under the hot sun and rain never showing any sign of fatigue or wanting to be anywhere else. He holds a special place in our hearts. We send you our love and support during this most difficult time. Our hearts and thoughts are with you all.
Michelle Lennartz
December 15, 2012
Sharon, Liz, Christopher, Our deepest condolances on the passing of Keith. He instilled in Kelly a love of soccer and competition that has served her well. We have so many fond memories of tournaments and State Cup Runs with Cap United Blue Thunder. One of the rooms in our house is still painted "Cap U blue".
A huge loss to the Cap Region's girls soccer program.
Farrand Russell
December 15, 2012
Dear Liz and family,
We were very sad to hear of Keith's passing. We were lucky enough to be able to call Keith a friend as well as Kelsey,s coach for the past 13 years. Keith was the driving force for girls soccer in the Capital District, and I feel the premier girls coach. His ability to instruct girls in a constructive caring manner was beyond compare. His instruction helped mold Kelsey and hundreds of other girls to become the skillful, talented college soccer players they are today. I will miss my after game "strategy" talks with Keith. He was not just a great coach, he was a caring, giving person. RIP Keith, we will miss you.
Crystal & Katelyn Dauphinais
December 15, 2012
Liz & family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Bettina Hamm
December 15, 2012
Liz and Family,
Sorry for your loss. You and your father were a great part of my soccer career and I will never forget his guidance. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Dave Sparks
December 15, 2012
Liz and Family -
we are so very sorry for your loss. Keith will be sorely missed. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave Sparks and family
kim mabee
December 15, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of Keith's passing. He was a super energetic advocate for children. The Mabee family
Kathy Hart
December 15, 2012
Sharon And family....we are so sorry. Keith was one of the kindest men I've ever known. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ginny &George Wood
December 15, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of Keith's passing, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I knew Keith and his family when we were kids on 1st street.I have so many good memories and will treasure them forever.God bless his wife and children and all the rest of the family..Ginny & George Wood, Palm Bay, Florida
Laurie Canavally
December 15, 2012
Liz and family ... Lexi and I are so sorry for Keith's passing. We will miss him so much. He loved all the girls and saw greatness in each and everyone of them. He knew the game of soccer and was very dedicated. May he RIP.
The Bern Family
December 15, 2012
Dear Liz and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Coach Keith's passing. In the one year we had the pleasure of having our daughter coached by Keith, he made a significant impression on her. Leah is so grateful she had the opportunity to experience Keith's passion for soccer and it changed her as a player in countless ways. She is eternally thankful for all she learned under his guidance, if only for a short time. We will certainly never forget him.
Our deepest sympathy,
Abby Arceneaux
December 15, 2012
Liz and the Villamil family... My heart is deeply saddened to see the loss of such a wonderful man. I will cherish all the words of wisdom he gave me on soccer and coaching. We were always elated when he was able to be at practice and games... The impact he had on so many lives will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Traci Horwedel
December 15, 2012
Liz and family. Words cannot express the sadness we feel for your loss. Keith was a great man and will be missed by all of us. I am happy that Alexis got the chance to learn from him.
Traci, Randy, Alexis and Matt
Tammy Kishbaugh
December 15, 2012
Liz and family: I am so sorry for your loss. Keith is one of the kindest, nicest people I have known and I will miss his kind words and smiling face. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers! Tammy K.
December 15, 2012
Liz & Family,
We are deeply saddened by Keith's passing. He was a kind, thoughtful, inspiring, and extremely dedicated to Capital United and all of his players. Nicole learned so much from Keith and will never forget him. A quote from Nicole "He taught me not only the game of soccer but also how to be a strong person and never let the small things get to me." Our prayers are with the entire Villamil family.
With sympathy,
Tadd, Melissa, Nicole, & Tyler Senecal
December 15, 2012
Your dad was a good and caring man with a passion for soccer and teaching young people. We appreciate all he did for us and Grace. We are all better people having spent time with him. Thanks for sharing. Our prayers are with you Liz and your entire family. Sandy, Renee and Grace Mathes.
Dave Sparks
December 15, 2012
To the Villamil Family -
we are so very sorry for your loss. Keith will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Sparks Family
Ballston Spa, NY
December 15, 2012
Villamil family, Cassandra and I are very sorry for your loss. Cassandra learned so much for keith and she has never forgotten that, he will be missed. Cassandra and Carole Moore
December 15, 2012
Liz, We are so sorry for you and your family. We will miss him so very much. He was one of the best, never to be forgotten!
Love, Wendy, Jackie & Kaitlyn
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