Obituary of Peter J. Villani
Peter J. Villani, 92, of Warren, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, August 30, 2024. Born on June 14, 1932, in Newark, New Jersey, Peter was the beloved son of Alfonso and Emily Villani. He was raised in Newark, where he spent his formative years, and resided there until 1978, when he moved to Warren, New Jersey.
A graduate of Eastside High School in Newark, Peter furthered his education at Seton Hall University. While attending Seton Hall, tragedy struck the family with the passing of his father. Displaying his strong sense of responsibility and dedication, Peter returned home to assist in running the family business, Villani Supermarket, in Newark. Alongside his brother, he managed the supermarket for 26 successful years.
Peter’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to develop a keen interest in real estate, ultimately founding his own real estate development company in Warren, New Jersey. He remained passionately involved in the business up until his passing. Peter’s leadership extended beyond his business, as he served as the Chairman of the Board of Adjustments in Newark for 17 years and as Chairman of the Warren Planning Board for 18 years. He was also the President of V&S Investment Co. and a partner in Oceanville Associates of Warren.
Religion played a significant role throughout Peter’s life. He received all of his Catholic sacraments at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Newark, New Jersey, and remained a devoted communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church in Martinsville, New Jersey, during his years in Warren.
Peter’s life was also marked by a beautiful love story. While taking ballroom dancing lessons, he met the love of his life, Corda Beth. Corda Beth fondly recalls how she was captivated by Peter’s tall, handsome appearance and wonderful dancing skills. Their shared passion for dancing blossomed into a deep love, and the couple married in 2000. They spent many happy years together, enjoying life’s simple pleasures, including visits to their cherished home in Atlantic City, where they took delight in all the attractions the city had to offer.
A man of many interests, Peter was an avid animal lover, deeply attached to his poodle, Romeo, who predeceased him, and his golden doodle, Montana. He had a zest for life, staying active by working out, playing racquetball, and expressing his creativity through oil painting.
Peter was known for his pleasant nature, strong work ethic, and unwavering love for his family. He especially cherished the bond he shared with his brothers and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Beloved husband of Corda Beth Villani, devoted brother to Alfonse, John, and Kathy Villani, and loving uncle to John & Nicole Villani, Christopher & Katrina Villani, and Alfonse & Karen Villani. He was a devoted great-uncle to Jake, Emily, Sam, and Christopher John Villani. Peter is also survived by his in-laws Mary Anne & Thomas Dever, as well as his loving stepchildren Lars (deceased) & Donna, Eric & Amy, and Lori Anderson. He was a cherished step-grandfather to Paige & Ray Mastrioianni, Seamus, Kurtis, Keara, Odin, and Annika.
A memorial mass to celebrate Peter’s life will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1890 Washington Valley Rd., Martinsville, NJ 08836.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Peter’s memory.
