Bob Villano

April 8, 1947 - April 10, 2022

Robert “Bob” Villano passed away on April 10, 2022, surrounded by his loving wife and two children, just two days after hosting his 75th birthday party and enjoying baseball’s opening day.

In his final days, Bob reflected on the many “happy extremes” and “coordinating opposites” of his life, such as growing up on both the city streets of New York and in the farmland of New Jersey. He was born in Somerville, New Jersey on April 8, 1947. Rumor has it that his mother was unable to finish the bologna sandwich she was eating for lunch when she went into labor with him, and as a result Bob felt he could never get enough bologna sandwiches or hot dogs. Bob was the third of six siblings. He fondly remembered playing stoop ball in The Bronx with his brothers and a “Spaldeen” and playing Robin Hood with his sister.

Following high school, Bob served for four years in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era, stationed in Guantanamo Bay. After an honorable discharge, Bob earned an English degree from Montclair State College, where he met the love of his life, Eileen. It was a whirlwind romance, full of poetry slams, infamous nights at Tierney’s bar, fun times with friends in Greenwich Village, and a proposal.

After marrying on October 7, 1973, Bob and Eileen moved to Massachusetts and opened a book store, “Chapter One”, in Downtown Plymouth. Their daughter Jessica came along in 1979 and their son Ryan in 1982. Bob began working at Revere Copper and Brass in Plymouth (later Revere Graphics Worldwide) in 1979, eventually becoming National Sales Manager. Bob and Eileen settled in Plymouth’s Buttermilk Bay neighborhood.

Bob’s family and friends have wonderful memories of a generous man who made everyone feel welcome and at ease. Dinners out with Bob often started with one of his favorite phrases: “The sky’s the limit.” He cherished his roles as a husband, father, brother, and uncle, and later as Papa to his four grandchildren. They will carry on his many kid-traditions such as Villano Family Poker Night, the Ugly Easter Egg, and noisy New Year’s countdowns.

Bob achieved his dream of retirement in 2008, and few have met a happier retiree. Bob used to say that “time is the most important commodity of all,” and he certainly made the most of his retirement by pursuing his varied interests. Bob dabbled in fine art, self-taught guitar and harmonica, woodworking, reading and writing poetry, listening to classic rock and folk music, Buddhist meditation, and watching the Red Sox and the Phillies.

Bob’s 75th birthday party was exactly what he wanted: at home with his immediate family and grandchildren, opening day baseball games on tv, and a menu featuring hot dogs, knishes, and chocolate pudding pie. Bob enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, and he was clear in his last days that he had no regrets or unfulfilled bucket list items. As a parting gift for his years of suffering fandom, the Phillies were undefeated (2-0) when he passed.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Al Villano, mother Angelina Dorsa Villano, and brother Paul Villano. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Eileen Lamb Villano, his daughter Jessica (Brian) Falk, his son Ryan (Tammy) Villano, and grandchildren Liam, Nolan, Colin, and Nova. Bob leaves behind his siblings Al “Butchie” (Kim Ly) Villano, Tommy (Mauricio) Villano, Ann (predeceased by Lammert) Roodhof, and Nancy (Randy) Carter, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visiting hours featuring a display of Bob’s unique artwork will take place at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home in Bourne, MA, on Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 2-6 pm. As a tribute to Bob’s love of spring, guests are encouraged to wear cheerful colors and enjoy the beauty of the season.