1943-2025
Joseph Michael Villella, 82, of Punxsutawney, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Christ the King Manor in DuBois.
He was born in Punxsutawney on March 28, 1943, a son of the late Samuel Paul Villella and Frances Mary (Labozzsetta) Villella.
On April 8, 1961, he married Mildred Irene Muth. They shared sixty-four years of marriage and raised a loving family. She survives and resides in Punxsutawney.
Joe began his career at IA construction as a laborer, doing the hard hands-on work that taught him the value of discipline, teamwork and perseverance. With time, experience and determination, he advanced into heavy equipment operating that shaped roads, buildings and communities.
Mr. Villella was a member of the Teamster’s Local 205 in McMurray.
He loved spending time at the races at Richmond, Watkins Glen and the Poconos, he also liked to travel to the state of Washington and Arizona to spend time visiting extended family. Each hunting season Joe enjoyed hunting in the quiet woods and the connection it gave him to nature. Above all, he truly loved to eat, never missing a chance to enjoy a good, hearty meal, especially when it was shared with family or friends.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Kevin (Karen) Villella and Janet (Tom) Douthit; four grandchildren, Keith (Deb) Villella, Kurt (Dana) Villella, Marissa Douthit and Brandon Douthit, four great grandchildren, all of Punxsutawney; three sisters, Carmella Roman of Reynoldsville, Pauline (Jerry) Hallman of Punxsutawney and Joann (Jim) Nelles of DuBois.
Preceded in death by his parents and brother in-law Pete Roman.
Friends will be received on February 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at Paradise Community Church. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. officiated by Pastor Barry Fillman.
His ashes will be interred at Maple Grove Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in Joe’s memory to Paradise Community Church or Big Run Volunteer Fire Company.
