Rev. Joseph L. Villa
Deceased: 2020-10-07
Diocese: INDIANAPOLIS
Seminary Graduation Year: 1997
Father Joseph L. Villa STL, 61, of Scottsburg and formerly of Terre Haute, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2020 in Scottsburg. Father Joe was born July 28, 1959 in Clinton, IN, to James D. Villa Sr. and Helen Kerkez Villa. He was a 1977 graduate of Schulte High School, St. Meinrad where he was first in his class and The Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy. Father Joe was ordained June 7, 1997.
After his post-graduate work in Rome, Father Joe was the associate pastor at St. Barnabas in Indianapolis and in 2000 he was the pastor at St. Joseph in Rockville, while serving as pastor at Sacred Heart in Clinton and administrator at St. Joseph in Universal. In 2013 he was pastor at St. Michael in Bradford, St. Barnard in Frenchtown and administrator at St. Joseph in Crawford County. He was pastor of American Martyrs at Scottsburg and St. Patrick at Salem at the time of his death.
Before following his calling in the priesthood, Father Joe was successful in business in Terre Haute.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James Villa; a sister, Georgia Krill and her husband Larry Krill; and a nephew, Michael Krill. He is survived by one sister, Nancy Adams (Steve) of Indianapolis; and a brother, John Villa of Terre Haute. Nieces and nephews survive, Ken Krill (Debbie), Jeff Krill, Tina Shirkey (Randy), Brian Villa (Elizabeth), Kristin Tate (Julian), Stacy Pearce (George) and Patrick Adams.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 111 South 9th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807. Archbishop Charles C. Thompson will preside. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 12, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Greiner Funeral Home, 2005 North 13th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47804; Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. led by Deacon Steven Gretencord at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Due to Covid-19 restrictions there will be limited seating with priority given to family and concelebrating priests.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers the contributions be made to St. Meinrad or the humane shelter in your community.
