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.