Barbara Villani

     POLAND — Barbara Villani, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, surrounded by her family.

     Born Jan. 2, 1951, in Youngstown, she was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph W. Reardon and Florence Dell Reardon. Barbara devoted her career to the retail world, beginning as a salesclerk at Sears. After staying home to raise her daughters, she later returned to this career at Kaufmann’s, where she served the community from 1991 through its transition into Macy’s, from where she retired in 2013. She was known for her kind, gentle, and caring nature, which was exemplified in every interaction, as she made each customer feel valued and welcomed.

   Her commitment to family was paramount; indeed, she embraced family as everything in her life. With her husband, Raymond T. Villani, Barbara found a steadfast partner with whom she navigated the joys and challenges of life. Together, they raised two daughters, Megan (David)Villani-Higham and Kerri (Bryan) Savaet, instilling in them the values of love, compassion and dedication to family.Barbara was also an adoring grandmother to her grandchildren, Emily Higham, Morgan (Kyle)Barry, Michael Irvan, Delaney, Reagan and Grady Savaet, for whom she created countless beautiful memories.Barbara’s warmth extended beyond her immediate family. She maintained close relationships with her siblings, including her sisters Susann (Dr. Larry) Spoljaric, Jayne (Del) Sinchak, and Molly and Beth Reardon; as well as her brothers, Patrick (Peggy) Reardon and Joseph (Peggy) Reardon; and brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Barbara Villani. Barbara’s family also included many beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom will deeply miss her presence in their lives.

      In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Joan Villani.

     Barbara served her community with grace and courage. During Operation Desert Storm, while her husband Ray was deployed, she demonstrated remarkable strength by running the family support group for the 838 Military Police, providing invaluable support for others during a challenging time.

      Barbara’s life will be celebrated with visitation 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home-Poland Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, at St. Dominic Church.Barbara Villani leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love that will endure in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be profoundly missed but forever remembered for the joy she brought to the lives of those around her.

     The family would like to thank the medical ICU staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their caring and compassionate care of Barbara. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in Barbara’s name. This obituary can be viewed and condolences sent to www.higgins-reardon.com.