Rita K. Villane

Rita K. Villane  8/7/31 - 4/8/17

Mrs. Rita K. Villane, the former Miss Rita Kathryn Gray was born to Edward and Anna Mae Gray in New Market (presently Piscataway) August 7, 1931.  She was the youngest of 6 children and is survived by her sister Mary Stover of Emmaus, Pa. She graduated Holy Trinity High School class of 1949 in Westfield. She put herself through school, after raising 8 sons, to earn a nursing degree. Rita had been employed as a nurse at Muhlenberg Hospital then at Westfield Convalescent Center before retiring in 1985. Rita Villane is well respected for her kindhearted,  patient nature.

She is and always will be the blushing bride of William Joseph Villane Sr. who she married on 12/27/52. They met through Rita’s best friend Rose (Villane)  Russo, William’s sister).  They lived in Indiana while William went to College, moved to Levittown, Pa. and finally settled back in Westfield in 1964.  She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic church and active in Holy Trinity Social club and Holy Trinity Rosary Society.  Rita passed peacefully in her home surrounded by many, many loved ones.  She is survived by her ever loving husband William of Westfield a loving family of 6 sons and 4 daughters-in-law including William Jr. of Toms River, Michael of Westfield, Richard & Kerri of Scotch Plains, Don & Mary of Westfield, Dominick & Betty of Lanesboro Mass., David & Nina of Westfield.  She was pre-deceased by 2 sons, James (3rd son) 1982 and Robert (the youngest) 2006.  She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren w/4 more on the way, along with a very large extended family.

We lost our MOM today. Our anchor has been lifted and we are all adrift at sea. She was our guiding light, our compass. Helping to keep us on track to follow the right path. Guiding us through dark times and keeping us secured during rough weather.  We feel an emptiness, a void and an overwhelming loss.  We also feel proud and blessed to have had such a great influence in our lives.  She taught us humility, dignity, discipline, kindness, honor and love.  MOM was not big on fashion and style, but had more class and strength than anyone we ever knew.  She never tried to impress others but was such an impressive person.  She never spoke badly about anyone and constantly offered to help others, never looking for anything in return. MOM was not a complainer and was as tough as nails, but always fair.  She always gave her time to listen to everyone’s problems and stories, even if someone told her the same story 5 minutes ago.  We love you MOM and thank you for always being there for us.  Thank you for being you. Say hi to Jimmy and Robert in heaven and we will all meet up eventually for a Sunday dinner once again.

Visiting will be Tues. 2-4 7-9PM at the Dooley Colonial Home, 556 Westfield Ave., Westfield.  There will be a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial on Wed. at Holy Trinity Church also in Westfield. Interment Fairview Cemetery, Westfield.  Donations in Rita’s name would be greatly appreciated to the Westfield Rescue Squad.

 Service Information