Joseph Villa

Joseph Villa, 92, died Saturday, October 1, 2016 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born January 1, 1924 in Saxton, PA, and had been a Lorain resident for the past 46 years moving from Vermilion. He was a veteran of the US Army serving with the 358th and 371st Combat Engineers in Normandy, Rhineland, Ardennes, and central Europe during WWII. He received the D Day WWII Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Victory in Europe Medal, WWII Victory Battle of the Bulge Medal, Ruptured Duck Award, and Good Conduct Medal. Joseph started his career as the manager of the arcade at Chrystal Beach, Vermilion. He then worked as a pipe fitter for US Steel, Lorain and American Ship, Lorain. He was a life charter member of the VFW Post #7576, Amvets Post #22, and American Legion Post #397, Vermilion and was also a member of the Chrystal Beach Alumni. Joseph enjoyed going to Johnnies Flea Market where he had a booth, fixing bikes which earned him the name "Bicycle Joe", and helping others. He was well know for his great sense of humor and his delicious spaghetti sauce. He is survived by his son, Joseph (Charlotte) Villa of Cullman, AL; daughters, Darlene (Bill) Miller of Vermilion; Linda (Rayl) of Vermilion; Candice Villa of Amherst, and Jennifer Mergen of Lansdale, PA; 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita "Mickey" Baker Villa; companion, Angie Edith Mort; parents, Liberato and Lena (nee Maietta) Villa, brother, George, Dominic, Bob, Nick, and Jimmy Villa, and sisters, Francis Anderson, Lizzie Reed, and Josephine Gill. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016 at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion. Pastor Chris Robinson will officiate and the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct Military Honors. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Mercy New Life Hospice 3500 Kolbe Road Lorain, OH 44053. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.