Tony Villari passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on October 17, 2026, at the age of 87, in Apple Valley, Minnesota. He will be remembered for his love of family, dedicated service to his country, adventurous spirit, curious mind, and generosity toward others.

Tony was proud of his service in the United States Air Force, where he attained the rank of captain and served as a navigator and electronic warfare officer. During his military career, he traveled extensively, with assignments and service taking him to, Vietnam, Turkey, Beirut, the Philippines, Japan, Germany, Libya, and Georgia, Louisiana, Alaska, Nebraska as well as other places across the US. He completed his full-time military service at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, headquarters of U.S. Strategic Command. During his Air Force career, Tony received numerous commendations, including two particularly notable honors: the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. His service included recognition for acts of heroism during the Cuban Missile Crisis and work involving the capture of a detonation signal from a surface-to-air missile site.

Tony earned degrees in aerospace engineering and electrical engineering from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in education from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. His professional career included positions with Northwest Airlines (Delta Airlines) in St. Paul, Minnesota; Rockwell International in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Missouri.

Tony’s life took a wonderful turn when he met Lois while stationed at Forbes Field in Topeka, Kansas, where she worked as a nurse. They met at a Sunday “hootenanny,” a gathering filled with music and singing. Their first date was at Poor Richard’s, a local favorite known for its pork tenderloin and cold beer. That first date marked the beginning of a marriage that lasted 62 years, filled with love, family, and countless memories.

Tony and Lois enjoyed traveling together throughout the United States and abroad. Their international travels included Spain,

England, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Canada, and Africa. Their domestic travel took them to places including Alaska, Hawaii, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois, Wyoming, Arizona, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Kansas, where they made many return visits. Tony particularly enjoyed exploring historic places and learning about the people and stories behind them.

One of their most memorable adventures took place in Sicily, Italy, as they searched for relatives from the Villari family. After three days of searching, they discovered a small parish whose records helped them locate family members. Their newfound relatives welcomed them with a wonderful picnic attended by approximately 50 Italian-speaking relatives. The experience gave Tony and Lois a remarkable connection to their family heritage and became a treasured memory of their travels.

Family was at the heart of Tony’s life, and he especially cherished his time with his grandchildren, Sydney, Benjamin, and Anthony. He enjoyed reading with them, introducing them to new interests, helping them learn, and sharing in their lives as they grew. He was a patient teacher who took pleasure in explaining things and helping his grandchildren discover how things worked. One of his favorite activities was spending time with his grandchildren, creating the kind of simple, happy memories that would be treasured long after the cards, books and games were put away.

Tony was generous with his time and talents, always willing to lend a hand with projects. He especially enjoyed working alongside his son, Michael, helping with projects such as house remodeling, including installing hardwood floors, building decks with pergolas debugging electrical wiring, plumbing and furniture and other renovation projects at his many residents and his son’s house. He loved planting the summer gardens, anticipating the fresh vegetables of the season. For Tony, lending a hand was a natural way to show how much he cared.

Tony had many interests that kept him curious and engaged throughout his life. He enjoyed painting, photography, golf, reading, and solving

puzzles. He looked forward to completing The New York Times crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles in ink—a testament to his sharp mind and confidence in his answers. He loved everything about airplanes, a passion that reflected both his military career and his lifelong interest in aviation.

Sports were another lifelong interest. Tony played football and wrestled in high school, continued wrestling in college, and enjoyed watching wrestling throughout his life. He was also a devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas Jayhawks, following both basketball and football. He could always strike up a conversation about the latest game or the upcoming season and its potential. He enjoyed playing cards, including bridge and pinochle, and of course especially loved games of Uno, War and Old Maid with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed listening to music and converting old records to MP3s, combining his appreciation for music with his interest in technology.

Tony was a member of Transfiguration Catholic Church in Oakdale, Minnesota. His faith, service, and devotion to those he loved were important parts of the life he built.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Santo and Teresa Villari, and his siblings Mary, Carmel, Louise, Rocco, and Pete. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Lois; his son, Michael, and daughter-in-law, Vy; his grandchildren, Sydney, Benjamin, and Anthony; his sister, Gladys; and many other relatives and friends.

Tony leaves behind a legacy of service, generosity, adventure, and love. He found meaning in the people he cherished, the knowledge he shared, the places he explored, and the everyday experiences that made life special. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Funeral Arrangements

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 on November 3rd, 2026 at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 6133 15th St. N., Oakdale, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 before Mass. Private interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. TBD

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to School at Transfiguration Catholic Church, or to another organization in Tony’s honor.