Anthony J Villano

Rotterdam- Anthony “Joe” Villano, 77, of Rotterdam, died peacefully at Albany Medical Center, on October 15, 2022, with his inseparable brother, Eugene, by his side. He was born in Albany, on May 29, 1945, son of Joseph James and Catherine (Sottosanti) Villano.

Joe attended Draper High School, before enlisting in the Air National Guard in 1964, where he served our country in the motor pool, and as an aircraft engine mechanic for six years. In the 1960s, when not on active duty, he developed skill in a broad range of trades. Joe repaired cars at a service station, was a machinist and master welder within General Electric’s Turbine & Generator Foundry, and worked at Schenectady Steel as a fabricator and welding instructor.

His expertise in the construction, and mechanical fields, were put to use when Eugene and Joe opened Villano Bros., an automotive repair, speed shop, car dismantling, and steel fabrication workshop. Villano Bros. was originally headquartered on the corner of Altamont and Crane, in Rotterdam, for over twenty-five years, before moving in the 1980s to Hungry Hill. After relocating, they added new home construction to their offerings, eventually building over thirty new homes in summers, while performing small engine repair services in off seasons.

On July 16, 1977, he married the love of his life, Lynda (Blumhagen), whom he had dated since 1967. Over their 45 years of marriage, and until his last day, she shared every joyous occasion, and health hurdle he encountered. Joe knew how fortunate he was to have such a strong, warm, and caring woman beside him throughout his life, and he loved her dearly for it.

He enjoyed watching races, restoring classic cars, and spoiling his German Shepherds. He also loved spending time in the company of his brother, Eugene, his godson, Lealon Lane, and several close friends. One of his favorite memories was building a dirt race car (12A) for his childhood friend, Jack Johnson, who went on to win at Malta the day it was finished.

Lynda and Joe welcomed their only child, Joseph John, in 1978. Joe always put his son first. He was incredibly proud of the man his son had become, and would always brag to people about his “Joey”.

He could not have been more thrilled with the birth of his grandchildren, Anthony John and Kaitlyn Villano, in 2008 and 2010 respectively. He cherished every moment he spent with them, watching them learn, play sports, perform musically, and grow into the incredible young people they have become.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his aunt, Marie VanVranken. He was survived by his wife, Lynda, son, Joseph John (Erica), his grandchildren, Anthony John and Kaitlyn, his brother, Eugene (Deborah), godson, Lealon, and cousins, Jeannette and Travis (Mindy) Lane, all of Rotterdam.

Calling hours for Joe will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 8:30 to 10:30 AM, at Bond Funeral Home, 1614 Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12306. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 210 Princetown Road, Schenectady, NY 12306. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Schenectady.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.