Obituary of Maurice W. Villano, Sr. , 88

Maurice William Villano Sr., 88, of State College, died on November 17, 2014 at Mt. Nittany Medical Center. He was born August 9, 1926 in Hartford, CT, the son of the late Dominick and Julia (Calandrillo) Villano. He is survived by his wife Diann McVey of State College and preceded in death by his wife Helen Morris Hutchins of Portland, Maine.

On August 9, 1947 he married Rose-Maria E. Liebmann of Heidelberg, Germany who preceded him in death on September 21, 1969. He is survived by a son Maurice Villano, Jr. (Diane) of Cromwell, CT, and two daughters Elisabeth Schwarz (Lothar) of Estero, FL, and Michaela Holmes of Bowling Green, KY. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Morgan and Michael Villano, Andreas and Bianca Schwarz, Rose-Maria Caputo (Gennaro), Katherine, Rachel and Thomas Holmes, and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Joseph A. Villano of Rocky Hill, CT, and sister Gloria V. Murzin of Estero, FL, and several nieces and nephews.

He enrolled in Trinity College in 1944 and entered the U.S. Army as an infantry replacement in the European theater. After VJ Day, he was assigned to the occupation forces in Germany. After discharge from the Army, he returned to Trinity College earning his B.A. in Economics in 1951 and was elected to Pi Gamma Mu. He joined ROTC, and was recalled to active duty in the Air Force.

His career in security and law enforcement with the Air Force took him and his family to many places in the world. He retired as Major. His service awards include Good Conduct, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, World War II Victory, Army of Occupation, National Defense Service, Armed Forces Reserve, Air Force Longevity Service Award with Three Oak Leaf clusters, and small arms expert marksmanship ribbons.

He earned his MA in Education from Trinity College in 1968, received a research fellowship at the University of Connecticut, was elected to Phi Delta Kappa, and awarded his PhD in Measurement and Evaluation in 1973. Dr. Villano was appointed a Research Associate at The Pennsylvania State University in the Division of Instructional Services and retired in 1987 to pursue travel abroad and his hobbies. He and his wife Helen held offices and taught classes in the Bald Eagle Power Squadron and enjoyed many years of boating on Raystown Lake. With his wife Diann, he participated in classes and matches at the Outdoor Sportsman’s Club. They also toured Italy and visited his family’s ancestral town.

A graveside service will be held in the Rose Hill Memorial Park in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.