K 650: Mourning the death of Mario H. Villa, distinguished veteran, former Mayor of the City of Amsterdam, and esteemed member of his community

 Assembly Resolution No. 650 BY: M. of A. Santabarbara MOURNING the death of Mario H. Villa, distinguished veteran, former Mayor of the City of Amsterdam, and esteemed member of his community WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Mario H. Villa was one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Mario H. Villa of Amsterdam, New York, who died on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the age of 102, noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Born in Amsterdam on May 14, 1923, to the late Vincenzo (James) and Adelina DiCaprio Villa, Mario H. Villa was a lifelong resident of the community he so loved and served; and WHEREAS, A proud graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch Senior High School, Mario H. Villa answered the call to service during World War II by enlisting in the United States Army, where he served with great distinction as a Technician Fifth Grade (Tec 5) in the European Theater from 1943 to 1945; and WHEREAS, For his valorous conduct while serving with Company "B", 10th Engineer Combat Battalion, Mario H. Villa was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, along with numerous other individual and unit citations, in recognition of his courage and dedication; and WHEREAS, Following his Army service, Mario H. Villa continued to serve his country from 1948 to 1950 as a member of the United States Air Force, earning the Army Occupation Medal with the "Japan" clasp; and WHEREAS, Upon returning to civilian life, Mario H. Villa worked as a wage inspector for the New York State Department of Labor and later devoted himself to public service at the local level, serving as Mayor of the City of Amsterdam for two terms from 1980 to 1987, and again from 1990 to 1995; and WHEREAS, Mayor Villa led the City of Amsterdam with wisdom, compassion, and a tireless commitment to the well-being of its residents, leaving a legacy of integrity and community-centered leadership; and WHEREAS, A devoted family man and respected elder statesman, Mario H. Villa was known for his humility, generosity, and faithful nature; he was a cherished member of the Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course community, where he was an honorary lifetime member, and a familiar face to all who shared his love for the game; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his beloved wife, Antoinette Carmella Friello Villa, whom he married on December 10, 1950, and by his son Dominick Richard Villa, as well as his siblings Francesca, Louis, Salvatore, Joseph, and Frank, Mario H. Villa is survived by his son Michael (Patty) Villa, his daughter Adeline Villa Joyce, his brother Richard Villa, eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and WHEREAS, Mario H. Villa's long and fruitful life stands as a testament to a life lived in service to others, to country, and to community, and his passing is a profound loss to the people of Amsterdam and to all who knew and respected him; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Mario H. Villa leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Mario H. Villa, distinguished veteran, devoted public servant, and beloved family patriarch, and to extend its sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the community he so faithfully served; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Mario H. Villa.