Gino Villanti 1936-2025

He was born on Feb. 3, 1936, in Gioiosa Marea, Province of Messina, Sicily. He was the son of Eugenio and Angelina Russo Villanti. After completing his schooling in Italy, Gino became an apprentice to his father in the family carpentry business. There, he developed a deep understanding of craftsmanship, precision and problem-solving — skills that would serve him well throughout his life.

When Gino immigrated to the United States in pursuit of the American dream, those early lessons formed the foundation for his success in a new land. In his early years in America, Gino worked a number of odd jobs, including construction with Albie Homes, before securing a position with the newly formed General Motors plant in Lordstown. He immensely enjoyed his work there and took great pride in being able to provide for his family through steady and meaningful employment, ultimately retiring in 1999 after 32 years of service.

A devoted member of St. Pope John XXIII Parish-Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Gino found great joy in his faith, his garden, having great conversations with everyone he met, and above all, the time he spent with his beloved family.

He is survived, and will be deeply missed, by his loving wife of 65 years, Carmela Panissidi Villanti, whom he married on Nov. 28, 1959. Gino will also be greatly missed by his children, Nicholas (Sharon) Villanti of Stow, Angelina (Thomas) Poffenbarger of Bowling Green and Frank Villanti of Lakewood. He is also survived by six cherished grandchildren, Gina Villanti, Nicholas Villanti, Francesca Villanti, Santino Villanti, Riley Poffenbarger and Syler Poffenbarger. Papa had a very playful spirit. We always looked forward to spending time with him in our childhood, going on walks with him and his bastone (Italian for walking stick), while we rode our bikes alongside. He never met a stranger, as he would always greet our friends and everyone he talked to as “Hey Buddy!” At this moment, we imagine that he is enjoying reuniting with his family and friends and going around talking to everyone!

His beloved son, Frank, would like to remember the cherished times when Frank would follow him around everywhere learning how to fix things and do everything practical in the world, not only how to shave with a bladeless razor, direct involvement in delivering the Niles Times at 5:30 a.m. every day of the week with his third-grade son in order to teach a solid work ethic and the value of a dollar, saving money and eventually blossoming a love for engineering through carpentry projects and learning how to problem solve and fix things on the spot when needed. He was always extremely proud of all of his children and grandchildren and called them his greatest accomplishment in life.

Gino was preceded in death by his parents, Eugenio and Angelina; his two brothers, Napoleone and Domenico; and his sister, Francesca. His legacy of love, strength and quiet guidance will live on in the lives he helped shape and the family who adored him. These are the same qualities he passed on to each of his children and grandchildren — lessons in perseverance, kindness, generosity, and the deep, unwavering value of family.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Patriot Hospice and Shepherd of the Valley in Liberty for the compassionate care they provided during Gino’s final days.

A sincere thank-you also goes to Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home and Pineview Memorial Gardens for their kindness, attention to detail, and the time they spent helping plan and carry out arrangements with compassion and care.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles, where prayers will be held at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Pope John XXIII Parish-Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, preceded by a 9:30 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Pineview Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. Family and friends can visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Gino’s family.

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