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Dean Villella
November 23, 2022
Never truly understood just how special this man was when I was growing up. As I mature as a father, grandfather I realize that I could not have been blessed with a better parent and mentor. I miss him deeply!
January 3, 2010
DEAR SHARI AND TONI AND FAMILIA, I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR PAPA'S PASSING, MAY GOD BLESS HIM AND YOUR FAMILIES, HE SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT MAN WITH A PERPETUAL SMILE THAT WOULD LIGHT UP ANY ROOM, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL , LOVE MARYANN RULLI LEO
Cristy Anna Tombarge
December 9, 2009
My Grandpa Villella He’s Italian
When I was a little girl I heard the story, Of my Mothers childhood days, And all the silly things,That my Italian Grandpa would do and say. She told me of the camping trips That they’d take each year, the sunglasses, DQ ice cream cones, And other memories so dear. She told me of the fishing stories, And the big one on her line, And how Grandpa got so excited,That he almost fell in that time. She told me how he worked so hard, To provide for his family, By working as a postman and then doing upholstery. She said Grandpa would sing, “Pennies from Heaven” and “Trailers for Sale or Rent” and she felt so lucky, because her Dad was heaven sent. She said he set a good example, For kids on how to live the right way, And did his best to ensure That his home was built on Amore’ So I can’t help but think he’s wonderful, He’s not like any other ordinary man. For he’s the very reason that they call Grandpas Grand!!
Love: Cristy Anna
Shari Banack
December 3, 2009
Fondest memories from Gino & Dean of their Dad.
Gino...Fishing trips each year were the best. Victor had a passion for fishing which was handed down to Gino. Gino giggles as he recalls telling Dad "Yes Dad we have to throw it back because we are at the limit." Dad was also his biggest fan, he attended every football game Gino played in letting Gino know how proud he was of him.
Dean's memories were related to the athletics. Victor and Doris attended every single baseball game that Dean played in both in high school and college. Many of the team mates would ask do they ever miss a game? However , every time Dean stepped on the Mound,to pitch, Dean would rub the ball down and look into the stands to locate his father. He would always find Victor in the stands with Doris attached to his hip. Dean would not throw one pitch until he made eye contact with his Father, who already had his eyes on Dean. Once he noticed that Dean was looking for him, he would clap three times and yell out, "You can do it Dean" This ritual for Dean was like giving Popeye a pound of spinach. He certainly was the wind beneath Dean's wings!! No matter of the outcome of the game, Victor always made a point of catching Dean before he hopped on the team bus to remind Dean just how proud he was of him.
There are so many more memories we would like to share but let us sum this up with, "Our father Victor Villella, is our role model and our hero for each an every one of his 7 children"
Shari Banack
December 3, 2009
Fondest memories of their FAther from Shari and Toni....
Shari felt blesse her whole life when she learned that at 6 months old her Dad was in the Navy. While preparing to sail in World War II Vic had a motor drop on his foot. He was rushed to the Naval hospital and that evening his ship set sail on a secret mission. Unfortunately, our fathers ship was bombed and his entire crew was sacrificed . It was obvious, that the Lord was not ready for our father by sparing him with a foot injury.
On a lighter note Shari will always remember the stories of Mom an a winning many dance competions doing the jitterbug. He taught me all the steps and the love of dance and I treasure every dance we had together.
Toni....remembers how important it was to our father for us chidren to show respect for our elders. Whenever one of Victors brothers or sisters came to visit, it was expected that all of us kids, properly come into the room and address each one of them with a hand shake and to address them properly, such as, "Hello Uncle Sam, how are you today?" Finally, by working two jobs virtually everyday of his life, it was important to him that we kids learned a strong work ethic.
Shari Banack
December 3, 2009
Fondest memories from Vic Jr and Richard of their Father .....Vic chuckles every time he reflects on his father teaching him to drive well before his time. In fact, Vic Jr. would sit on Dad's lap and steer the wheel while Dad would sing Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra tunes.
Richard.... woul never forget the event of losin ga tooth in the Villella household. It was certainly a memory of all of Vic's children and even some of the grandchildren as well. Once the tooth was removed from teh mouth, Victor would procee to the bathroom, open the toilet, close his eyes an raise the tooth high in the air and recite the following phrase in Italian..."Bless this little tooth may it bring you good fortune to come back as strong as a nail and while as a egg"
None of the children were fluent in Italian but we knew it meant some ,oney uner our pillow the next morning.
Cliffie (Villella) Johnson
December 2, 2009
To all my Villella Cousins... and I mean ALL the Villella cousins, not just Uncle Vic's family because his passing is a great loss to all of us who looked to him as the last Villella brother in that great generation. Being with Uncle Vic in a way was like being with my Dad (Vince) who has been missed for many years now. I was so sad not to be able to come to the Villella Reunion this past summer, because seeing Uncle Vic at the last reunion was a sweet reminder of the fun loving feeling I always get when I am with the Villella Family. I send my love and prayers and hope that you will find some comfort in knowing how many people love and admire "Uncle Vic". I hope we can all carry on the legacy that we have of being a close caring family.
God Bless...
Gwynn Pletsch
December 2, 2009
Dean, Wendy, Deano, Nicollette and Talia,
What a beautiful read in the Star Tribune Wendy, what a wonderful man your Dad & Grandpa was as he lived such a fulfilling life and loved you with all his heart. May your beautiful memories help you through this difficult time. Dean, we know this has been so tough on you and the family, but I'm sure he was very proud of all of you as you are the most loving, caring family we know and his loving legacy shines through in all of you! Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Villella clan today.
The Pletsch's
Joyce Mankowski
December 1, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
With love,
Bob,Joyce,Jenny,Ralph & Haylie
Toni Villella
December 1, 2009
Dear Grandpa,
We will miss you deeply. Gino and I have great memories of you and grandma watching us, drawing pictures, eating peanut m&ms, and you singing Dean Martin songs to us. Sami is going to miss coming over on Halloween and showing you her beautiful costumes. We will see you again someday. Say hello to grandma for us. Love you!
Toni Marie, Gino Victor, and Samantha Mary
December 1, 2009
To those he left behind!
May you find comfort in the knowledge his spirit has returned to God from whom it came! The reunion in heaven must have been a glorious one, there are so many Villellas there. I miss my son, Vince, who left us just a year ago, and he would be among those to greet Vic.
My love to you, Aunt Doris
Doris B. Rock, Heber City, Utah
Rosalie Villella Tombarge
December 1, 2009
There's a special kind of feeling when I think about my Dad. Just the sound of His voice had a calming effect on me. When I was little and I would get car sick on the way home from camping trips, my Dad would sing to me "Pennies from Heaven" & "Trailers for Sale or Rent". It was like a miracle, because it would always make me feel so much better. I was his youngest daughter so I guess that made me his "Baby Girl." But it really did not matter who was born first or last because my Dad made all his kids feel like we were the "Apple of his Eye". Words cannot describe the admiration I have for my Dad, to me, he was my "Hero" When I was little he would always say "Come here Rosie so I can mash you up with lots of kisses" and I would reply "No Daddy, I No Want Some". My fondest memory of my Dad when I was little was trying to climb up on his huge cutting table in his Upholstery Shop. I would clean and rearrange all his fabrics and supplies while he would Work & Sing one Italian Song after another. There was something so rock solid about my Dad. He was about as humble as you can get and nothing could ever sway him from living within his means. When I was little and my Brothers and Sisters would want a special treat, they would send me in to ask Dad for money, thinking he would have a harder time turning the little one down. But I know we were all special to him because he would light up and bubble over with joy anytime his kids were around. When I think about how the world honors men with great power, riches & wisdom that can change the course of histroy & have a great impact on the world, those ar all great & admirable qualities as long as it is used for the good. But even though my Dad never had much money, I feel like he was the richest man I know. His charm & loveable personality always lifted my spirits up. I treasured every moment I got to spend with my Dad and I know he treasured his time with me as well. In fact, just months and weeks before he died he would always tell me that if he died tomorrow, he can now die a happy man just because he got to see me one last time. That is how much he treasured every visit and every conversation we had together. "Dad I love you so much and I will never forget all the Dean Martin songs you sang to me just a couple of weeks ago when I was with you. You were so happy singing them to me & now you can sing them to Mom up in Heaven. I'm gonna miss you Dad! Thank you for leaving me with so many happy memories to hold on to." Love your daughter Rose
John Paver
December 1, 2009
To the families and my very good friend Victor, Jr, our deepest sympathies and condolences. You have all meant a lot to us over the years and will be remembered, John Paver, Pamela Jane, and Raoul
Jim Peterson
December 1, 2009
To all of the families affected by this loss. My thoughts, sympathy and prayers go out to all of you. You have many fond memories that you can carry with you all until you are all reunited once again to share the love and joy of each other forever.
Ron Tombarge
December 1, 2009
I will always remember Vic's talents using both his hands and his heart. He practiced his craft and his life using "both" to perfection. He was a wonderful Father in Law, Father and Grandfather. I will honor his legacy and miss him forever.

Great Grandpa and Rocco
Joe,Mandi and Rocco Thomas
December 1, 2009
We will never forget the great memories that we made going to the casino in the early mornings with Grandpa. Now your breakfast will always be "comped" for you. We will miss you dearly and you will ALWAYS be in our hearts!
December 1, 2009
To Uncle Vic's Family, We send our Love. It was so fun to attend the reunion 6 years ago after our Dad, Vince, passed away to see his beloved family and brother Vic. We were sorry to hear of his recent illness but glad he did not have to suffer long. "May it help to ease the sorrow in your heart in some small way, to know that sympathetic thoughts are there with you today." We love you cousins. Kim and Jeannie Villella Hoover family.
Conrad Villella
December 1, 2009
Uncle Vic will be missed by all of us. He was always there with a pleasant greeting and a warm smile to say hello.
I will remember, years ago, when voice recorders came about....he would sing at my Dad's House and he sounded like Perry Como to me. He and the rest of his brothers always had a good time together...also remember the family parties...everyone dancing to Louie Prima Music. They all worked hard and knew how to enjoy life,too.
Jeannine Latterell
December 1, 2009
Joe, Mandi, Rocco and Reece,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at the loss of your grandfather. Keep memories of him in your heart.
November 30, 2009
sorry for your lost
he was a great person
jerry chiodo
Nancy Hart
November 30, 2009
Dearest Cousins and your families: Shari, Vic jr, Rich, Toni, Rosalie, Gino & Dean:
Someone once said: The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude.
You are all so fortunate to have been raised in a home with parents who loved and cherished each other. What a blessing to have your father live such a long life so you and your children and grandchildren have been able to form so many wonderful memories of him.
What a great reunion in the Spirit World when your father is reunited with your mother, his parents and all of his brothers and sisters!
With sympathy for your loss and gratitude for his life, we send our love.
Richard & Nancy (Villella) Hart
ronald villella
November 30, 2009
To All of Uncle Vic's family:
Joan and I want you all to know our prayers are
with you.
We realize Uncle Vic was ready to see his maker and
all his family that preceded him in death but its always with mixed emotions that we experience their death and celebrate their life.
Uncle Vic was always upbeat, such a good man and pleasure to see. We all will miss him.
Good luck to you all.
Love,
Ron, Joan and family.
Sharon Banack
November 30, 2009
Dad you were the BEST! My hero, so strong, so proud and yet so humble. All you ever wanted was your family. Now you are with Mom again, the love of your life. I will treasure every song you sang to me and every dance you danced with me. You taught me the love of music and dance. Dean Martin was one of your favorites and it will always be mine too. You ALWAYS made me feel like I was your princess. Dad I miss you and always will!
I Love you so much,
Shari
November 30, 2009
TO SHARON,VICTOR JR.,RICHIE,TONI,ROSALIE,GINO, AND DEAN AND THIER FAMILIES, THERE ARE NO WORDS AT THIS TIME TO COMFORT ALL OF YOU BUT I KNOW YOU ALL HAVE MANY MANY GOOD MEMORIES AND HOPEFULLY THAT WILL HELP SOME. YOUR FATHER AS YOU PROBABLY KNOW IS NOT ONLY MY UNCLE BUT MY GODFATHER AND THO WE HAVEN'T SEEN MUCH OF HIM LATELY I TOO, HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES AND VERY, VERY GLAD TO HAVE HAD A CHANCE TO VISIT WITH HIM AT THE REUNION AND "MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE" GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU! LOVE ALWAYS, CHUCK AND THERESA
Lori Peterson
November 30, 2009
Joe, Mandi, Roc and Reece -
Imagine now....Grandpa is able to 'comp' everyone in heaven's breakfast - can you imagine his joy in being able to never worry about providing for his family ever again?
Keep him alive and live his life that was filled with beautiful family values - you were blessed to have known a man with such love for his wife and family.
I love all of you.....Lori/Mom
Tina Ackermann
November 30, 2009
Beautiful Grandpa, you are precious in every way. It is no coincidence, that one of the most heroic men I know is also the most humble. God sent this world an angel and waited eighty eight years to bring you back to heaven. Losing you has left a deep void but we will see you again. Until then, you will be the song in our hearts just as you have always been. Give Grandma a hug, tell her about Adelyn~Rose and how beautiful she is. Grandpa know that we love you and we are so proud you were ours, even when words can't tell the half of it.
Karen Johnson
November 30, 2009
Dear Villella family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Let the memories you have with him bring you comfort at this difficult time. Our thoughts & prayers are with your family. Wayne & Karen Johnson
November 30, 2009
God bless Victor for eternity. May wonderful memories fill family members' hearts with Peace.
Greg and Reenie Lundgren
November 30, 2009
To Vic and Rich and the entire Villella family: We are saddened to hear about your loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
Judi Reynolds
November 30, 2009
To the Villella Family:
Because we are selfish we don't want to lose our loved ones, but this was Victor's wish to be with the love of his life, he knows Doris is standing at that gate with her arms opened wide for him!
Cherish every sweet moment of the memory's he left behind, as this was his gift to all of you!
Peace to The Villella family, the hurt will always be there, because we don't want to let go..
God Bless the wonderful family he left behind..
November 30, 2009
My prayers are with you in this challenging time. Remember all the good time you shared.
Pat Ricci (UNICO)
November 30, 2009
Tony & Family,
Sorry to hear of your Father's passing.
You and your family are in my prayers!
God bless,
Joe Haeg
Blmngtn
Jeff Hershey
November 30, 2009
Dear Villella family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of happy times together as you celebrate your Dads life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. With love, Jeff, Diane, Brandon & Brianna Hershey

Grandma and Grandpa
Dawn Villella
November 30, 2009
We love you dearly Grandpa! You will be missed.
Dawn, Jack, Ana and Henry
Nancy Redmond
November 30, 2009
Joe, Mandi, Rocco and Reece .... Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness! May your memories of your Grandpa give you peace!
November 30, 2009
To the Villella Family: Our deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you. God lifts us to a place of peace and rest. May you find his peace at this sad time.
Joan and Sid Felber
Missy Johnson
November 29, 2009
We love you and are thinking of you...
Cherish the beautiful memories! Let your friends and family bring you strength and courage during such a hard time in your lives! He will always remain a part of you and nothing will ever change that! Love you!
Missy Johnson & Steve Joyce
Anna (Carlson) Ellingsworth
November 29, 2009
Dean, Wendy, and the Villella family;
I just wanted to say how very sorry I am for your loss. The true being of a man and his life is what he has left behind in his children, that being the case he was a remarkable man, his family is strong, loving, and is a "real" family. No matter how much all of us miss Vic here on earth, he is now in a place where there is forever peace, love, and no suffering or pain. He is with his wife, looking down on his family and so very proud. All my condolences to all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please hold close to you all the great memories of Vic and they will ease your pain knowing you had those with him. Those memories will carry you through any sad day. Peace be with all of you.
Mary & Dave Putnam
November 29, 2009
To the Villella Family: We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Father, Father-In-Law and Grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. God Bless!

Victor John Villella Sr.
Dean Villella & Family .
November 29, 2009
We Love You Forever!
November 29, 2009
Saddened to hear of your loss. We extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Villella clan.
May you charish the many years of memories.
Regards,
The Seawells (Dave, Teri, Karlee, & Casey - Alex too)
Dean Villella & Family .
November 29, 2009
You are forever loved! To the best Father, Father-in-Law and Grand-Father ever created.
We will miss you more than you could imagine.
Dean, Wendy, Dino, Nicollette and Talia
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