Donald Robert Villa, 71, a lifelong resident of Framingham, died Friday, April 11, 2025 after a period of declining health. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Dominic R. & Patricia M. (Cragin) Villa, and the beloved husband of 49 years to Amelia C. (Russo) Villa.
Don was a 1971 graduate of Framingham South High School. His early work life began as a welder/fabricator, which parlayed into becoming an auto mechanic and then carpentry. He went on to own and maintain rental properties. He loved working on countless projects in his garage. Whether he was working on his truck, a lawn tractor, or boat he would be there for hours. A true “Jack of all trades”, he could fix anything. He was a longtime member of the Framingham Heart Study, Framingham Elks, Columbus Club, and the Maspenock Rod & Gun Club.
Always there for everyone, no matter what, Don could always be counted on for help. He relished in time spent with family and friends, especially at his summer home in Wells, ME. A day of fishing, relaxing on the beach, and hanging out in the park was bliss. Scratching lottery tickets and playing the numbers and keno was a big hobby, that brought him much joy and great friends along the way. Don had a knack for gardening and enjoyed spending hours doing it, often with his grandkids.
Besides his wife Amelia, Don is survived by his children, Anthony & his wife Lisa of Framingham, Christina Pelletier & her husband Brian of Ashland, and Dominic & his wife Jacqui of Holliston, his grandchildren, Austin, David, Tatum, Bryce Pelletier, Lincoln, Ayla, Brody Pelletier, and Abby, his siblings, Charlie, John & his wife Kathy, Paul & his wife Nancy, Billy & his wife Patty, Wally & his wife Joanne, Mark & his wife Karen, and Bernie, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides his parents, Don was predeceased by his in laws, Jose & Maria Russo, his brother in law, Tony Russo, and sisters in law, Maureen Russo, and Sharon Villa.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Don’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St. Framingham on Monday, April 21st from 4-8PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Tarcisius Church, 562 Waverly St. Framingham on Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock. Interment will follow in St. Tarcisius Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Don’s name to: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2118&mfc_pref=T&2118.donation=form1
or to the Framingham Heart Study, https://www.framinghamheartstudy.org/
To share a memory with the Villa Family, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com
Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home