Catherine Villa

Catherine C. Villa, 92, of Arnold Avenue, Amsterdam, NY, passed away peacefully Monday evening February 24, 2014 at home with her loving husband Joseph by her side.

Born on January 16, 1922 in Zangarona Catanzaro, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Gerardo and Pasqualina Colistra. Kay came to the United States through Ellis Island with her family just before her 8th birthday in November of 1929. She became a U.S. citizen, received her education in the Amsterdam school system and was a lifelong resident of Amsterdam.

Kay was employed as a Service Assistant at New York Telephone Company in Amsterdam, retiring in the early 1980’s

She was a parishioner and communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Amsterdam, a member of the Kateri Tekakwitha League at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs, Auriesville, NY, and the Telephone Pioneers of America. She was also a volunteer at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam for many years.

Catherine was beloved by a large extended family, by lifelong friends, neighbors and literally by everyone who came in contact with her. She was a kind and generous person and was very sympathetic and giving of herself. After a long career with the Telephone Company, she had over 30 years of active retired life, which included traveling across the country and abroad with husband and friends. She also enjoyed her time exercising, shopping, volunteering, and cooking for family and friends. Kay was a very giving and loving person who will be missed by her family and all those who knew her.

Kay is survived at home by her husband, Joseph to whom she was married December 13, 1942, two sons, James Villa (Debra) of Old Lyme, CT; and Richard Villa (Carolyn Jordan) of Guilderland, NY; four grandchildren, Catherine Flynn Villa of Burlington, VT; James D. Villa (Alice) of Irvington, NY; Joel Villa (Lisa) and Richard J. Villa II of Guilderland, five great grandchildren, Jacob, Luke, Zoe, Elizabeth Catherine and Matthew Villa, one brother, Henry Colistra (Jean), one sister, Marie Pacino (Joe) a brother-in-law, George Whelly all of Amsterdam. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Catherine was also predeceased by her sister, Virginia Colistra Whelly on September 5, 2009.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 10:15 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY, followed at 11:00 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam,

Interment will follow at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Amsterdam.

Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 at the Riley Mortuary.

Memorial gifts in Catherine’s name may be made to Kateri Tekakwitha League, Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs,136 Shrine Road, Fultonville, NY 12072.