Florence Marie Villani, 91, a former longtime resident of New Castle, passed away peacefully with family members by her side on Thursday afternoon, February 28, 2019, in The Village at Rockville, Rockville, MD.

Mrs. Villani was born October 8, 1927, in Cleveland, OH, a daughter of the late Stephen M. and Sabina (Swiechocki) Lehotsky.

Florence married her beloved husband of 58 years, Joseph D. Villani, in 1945, and he preceded her in death on January 24, 2004.

A homemaker for many years, Florence also worked as a sales clerk and computer operator at the Strouss Department Store in New Castle. She retired upon the store's closing, following 14 years of employment.

Florence was a devout member of the Madonna of Czestochowa and Mary - Mother of Hope Parishes in New Castle, where she participated in the Christian Mother Ladies Club for many years.

She also volunteered in the library of Union Area School District and was very active with the Band Parents Organization at Union High School.

Florence enjoyed swimming at the YMCA and loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.  She also loved cooking and baking for friends and family and was especially adept at preparing both Polish and Italian specialties that she learned from her mother and mother-in-law.

She is survived by a daughter, Melinda S. Bruno, of New Castle; two sons, Joseph S. (Patricia) Villani, of Germantown, MD, and James A. (Kathy) Villani, Gainesville, VA; a brother, Ronald J. Lehotsky, Pittsburgh, PA; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great grandsons.

In addition to her parents and husband, Florence was preceded in death by a son, David D. Villani, and two brothers, Norbert and Gilbert Lehotsky.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donors choice; or Union Area HS Band Parents (memo: Band Shelter - Villani Memorial Gift), and mailed to Union Area High School, c/o Mark Godwin, 2106 Camden Ave., New Castle, PA 16101.

Calling hours will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday (3-7-19) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Friday (3-8-19) in St. Mary's Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Rev. Anthony Sciarappa, as celebrant.

Interment will be in Madonna Cemetery, Union Township.