Obituary of Salvatore B. Villani

Salvatore (Sal) Basil Villani, 93, originally from Brooklyn and most recently a resident of Mineola, died on Friday afternoon July 26, 2024. It was a peaceful ending for a vibrant, faith-filled man. Sal was a Korean Army veteran stationed at Fort Dix, a successful business manager with IBM World Trade for 30 years, and a deacon at St. Aidan’s Church for 40 years. He is survived by his beautiful wife and lifelong partner for 71 years, Carmela. He is also survived by his six children: Joseph Villani, Frances Kozusko, Regina Kuhl, Jeanne Villani, Maryanne Curtin, and Peter Villani, and their longtime partners, Linda, Steve, Bob, Matt, Hughie, and Charlotte; seven grandchildren, Shemaiah, Jake, Fateema, Christopher, Jessica, Danielle, and Miles; two great grandchildren, Chloe and Avery; and one great grandchild on the way. Sal is also survived by his sister Immaculata Perrotta. 

Sal’s greatest achievement was the strength and bond of family blessed in the presence of Christ. His family and friends share many wonderful memories of this dynamic and devoted man. This includes family chores and gatherings in Albertson, weekend family trips to Vermont, spirited get-togethers in Mineola, treasured holiday celebrations, and devoted moments to discuss sports, music, religion and faith. He loved to eat, drink, joke, and break bread with anyone who crossed his path. He believed in the circle of love through authenticity and hospitality. 

Sal’s years as a deacon at St. Aidan’s Parish were some of his most cherished. He was a true shepherd of the Lord and he walked his faith. During his homilies, he relished in sharing stories with his congregation about being a father and guiding those on a journey of faith. His was a life of service through his many ministries, including assisting people with AIDS, those with addiction at the Long Island Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD), homeless veterans at New Ground, religious teaching to high school students, and facilitating prayer groups with Carmela. Sal was guided by a call to serve others and he practiced his ministry with a practical simplicity reflected in these words from Micah 6:8, which he held so dear: 

This is what Yahweh asks of you:

Only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God. 

Sal inspired so many people and many have said he was a role model, admired and influential in their own life’s journey. What will keep him alive in our hearts will be to memorialize his simple but profound zest for life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: 

St. Aidan’s Parish Outreach, Williston Park NY 11596

www.staidanparish.org/give      (specify parish outreach in notes area)

New Ground.Org, Levittown NY 11756 

www.newground.org