Davide Mario Villani, 80, passed away on January 5, 2022. Born in Springfield, he was the son of the late Antonio & Maria (Falconio) Villani, who emigrated, in the early twentieth century, from the Town of Tocco da Casauria, Abruzzi, Italy.
Davide grew up in Springfield. He was a 1959 graduate of Classical High School, then in 1963, graduated Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree with a Concentration in Accounting. In 1964, Davide took the CPA exam and subsequently received the Gold Medal presented by the Society of Certified Public Accountants, Inc. for the highest score in Massachusetts. For six years he served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, and in 1970 was honorably discharged.
He worked for over 20 years as an audit manager for national accounting firms Peat Marwick & Mitchell and Main Hurdman. Davide then went on to work for the Springfield School Department as the School Business Administrator serving 13 years from 1982 until his retirement in 1995 from the City of Springfield. In his retirement, he prepared tax returns for many clients who through the years would become close friends.
Throughout his life, Davide was very active in many organizations. He was past President of Springfield Sons of Italy, Amerita Lodge #379 for many years as well as past President of Pittsfield ITAM Lodge #764 for several terms. He also served many years as Treasurer and Director of the Italian Cultural Center of Western Mass, Inc. On October 7, 2005, Davide was awarded the Serviam Award, the Center’s highest award, honoring him for his service to the Italian community for more than 35 years.
Davide was an avid NASCAR fan and loved to play golf. He enjoyed the company of his friends at the Lyndale Garage and Gurney’s Service Station. Davide was extremely grateful for the assistance, support, and time he received from David and Robert Vedovelli during his illness.
He will be dearly missed by his family; brother, Dante A. Villani & wife Sandra of Somers, CT, and sister-in-law, Natalie M. Villani of Chicopee, nieces and nephews, Elizabeth A. Villani, Anthony P. Villani, Aldo L. Villani, and Georgianne M. Detka, great-niece and nephews, Andrew, Natalya, Anthony P. Jr., and Spencer. He was predeceased by his brother, Aldo P. Villani, sister, Angelina R. Detka, and brother-in-law, John Detka. He will be fondly remembered and missed by his family and many friends.
Friends and family are invited to visit, Wednesday, January 12th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Tazzini Funeral Home, 22 Locust Street in Springfield. Davide’s Liturgy of Christian Burial is Thursday, January 13th, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Masks are required.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.