STILLWATER - John A. Villa, 67, popular longtime youth soccer enthusiast, died Thursday, Jan. 26th, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Troy, Sept. 23, 1949, son of the late Frank and Carmella Clements Villa, John was a 1968 graduate of Mechanicville High School. Soon thereafter, John served with the US Army, including a one year tour of duty in Vietnam, where John received a Purple Heart for combat wounds, Combat Infantry Badge and Army Commendation Medal for his actions in combat. His heroism was recognized by the Army, though John kept most of his Army story to himself, like so many combat vets. The US Military Academy at West Point asked John to tell his story for their Oral History Center.
For over 30 years, John was a counselor for the Office of Childrens and Family Services until his retirement.
John’s favorite name was “Coach”, as he had a huge impact on countless numbers of youth, starting with Mechanicville-Stillwater Youth Soccer programs, Stillwater Central and Hoosic Valley Central athletic programs of soccer, bowling and track and field. He also refereed school soccer for 15 years. Coach John taught technique, encouraged sportsmanship, fair play and respect to all his charges. John also for years played on several sandlot softball teams.
A thoroughbred horseracing fan, John and his son spent lots of time at the Saratoga Race Track, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Survivors include his beloved son Jonathan H. Villa of Saratoga Springs, sisters Mary Ellen Hunt of No. Carolina and Karen Villa (Scott) Salvadore of Stillwater, nieces and nephews David Alston, Kristal and Jack Carpenter and Allana Demand, along with Jonathan’s mother Marilyn Hedrick.
A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday at 6 PM at All Saints on the Hudson Church
(St. Peter’s) 895 Hudson Ave, Stillwater.
A gathering of friends will be held at the Hudson Ave. Church on Sunday from 3-6 PM.
An Inurnment with military honors will be held at the Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. on Monday at 10 AM. Those planning to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery Visitors Center at 9:45 AM
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a scholarship fund being set at Stillwater Central School to honor the life and memory of Coach John A. Villa.
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