Christopher R Villani

Christopher R. Villani, 53, of East Hanover, passed away on May 19, 2021.

The term “Renaissance man” is frequently used to describe a person that lives their life to the fullest, embraces the pursuit of knowledge, develops their abilities to the fullest, and significantly enriches the life of people in the world around them.  A Renaissance man is passionate, well-rounded, self-taught, free thinking, well-travelled, sociable and charismatic.  Furthermore, he appears to do all of these things effortlessly.

Chris truly embodied all the qualities of a Renaissance man.  He lived each and every day of his life the fullest, with passion and commitment.  He had an unwavering love and devotion for his family, particularly his wife Carmela and his son Carmine.  Whether it was Disney, Wildwood, Hershey or NYC for pleasure, or every state in the union for Activu, where he worked for over 20 years, Chris was constantly in motion, gaining and sharing experiences and enriching the lives of everyone wherever he travelled.

From math and science, to arts, sports (the Raiders), music (Bruce Springsteen), finances and the law – there was no subject Chris would not learn to better himself, to help his son with school or to assist a friend or family member in need.  The diversity of Chris’ many talents was remarkable.

Chris was the model husband and father that everyone should aspire to be.  He was always present, physically or virtually, and let his wife and son know how much he loved them each and every day.  He was their world and they were his,  forever.  On numerous occasions, Chris would fly exhausted, cross-country after a full day of work to get home to his family not just for special events, but simply because he wanted to be there and spend every minute he could with them.

Chris loved to engage in conversations with people and challenge them playfully, all in the interest of building deep, long lasting and memorable relationships.  He had an infectious laugh and gregarious style that was larger than life.

Chris leaves us with a legacy of love, kindness, loyalty and friendship.  While Chris would never want this much attention centered around himself, his passing leaves us with a huge hole in our hearts and he will be dearly missed until we are all together again.

Beloved husband of 26 years to Carmela (Sarappa) Villani.  Devoted father of Carmine Villani.  Loving son-in-law of Domenico and Angela Sarappa.  Dear brother-in-law of Anthony Sarappa, his wife Lori, and Robert Sarappa.  Uncle and godfather to Dominick Sarappa, uncle to Anthony, Nicole and Gabrielle Sarappa.  Also survived by his father Carmine, his brother Scott, and many cousins and friends.  He is pre-deceased by his mother Carolyn.  Also, a doting godfather to Megan Ruzicka, and an uncle not by blood, but by heart to Emily, Adam and Ethan Ruzicka.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park, NJ on Sunday from 1-5pm.  Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and capacity limitations, visitors are asked to pay their respects and then exit in order for others to enter the building.  Masks are required and all are to practice social distancing.

The funeral mass will be held on Monday, 9:45am at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover, followed by the burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Donations can be made to the family, to be used for a college fund for Chris’s son Carmine.

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