Richard J. Villani

Richard J. Villani, 75, of Bethlehem, died on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Cedarbrook Nursing Home in Allentown surrounded by his loving children.

He was born in Bethlehem; the son of the late Antonio M. and Anna Falco Villani.

Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Wescoe Villani.

He graduated from Bethlehem High School and later enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In 1992; after 32 years of dedicated service Richard retired from the U.S. Postal Service where he served as the Postmaster in the Bethlehem Office.

Richard was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Bethlehem.

He devoted much of his life to his community and was a member of several organizations. Richard served as member and Past President of the Bethlehem Rotary Club; Past President of the Bethlehem Club and was a member of the Board of Directors for the Bethlehem Public Library, Bethlehem YMCA and the Combined Federal Campaign to benefit United Way. Richard was a sports enthusiast, especially local athletics. In his free time, Richard enjoyed writing poems for his wife, reading, golfing and he especially enjoyed sharing time with his family.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Anthony R. Villani of Bethlehem; James D. Villani and his wife, Anet, of Bethlehem; Linda J. Markwith and her husband, John, of Bethlehem Twp.; and Ann M. Nonnemacher and her husband, Timothy, of Bethlehem Twp.; as well as his eight grandchildren, Vincent Villani, Carla Damrose, Gina Villani, Kristen Nonnemacher, Richard J. Villani, Kaitlyn Nonnemacher, Tyler Markwith and Dylan Markwith. He will also be dearly missed by his sister, Theresa A. Ruhf and his brothers, Vito Villani, Joseph Villani and Dominic Villani all of Bethlehem.

Richard was predeceased by his sister Antoinette "Dolly" DeFrancisco.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 12, 2011 from 6-9 PM at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 and again on Monday, June 13, 2011 from 8:30-9:30 AM.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 13, 2011 at 10 AM at Messiah Lutheran Church 2020 Worthington Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18017. Interment will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the church or The Juvenile Diabetes Association, 225 City Ave. Suite 104, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 or Cedarbrook Auxiliary, 350 S. Cedarbrook Rd. Allentown, PA 18104.