Darlene Villanacci

July 18, 1938 - January 23, 2022

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and will preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!' -By Hunter S. Thompson. Darlene Villanacci, 83, of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed on January 23, 2022. Darlene was born on July 18, 1938. Darlene was predeceased by her husband Simon Villanacci. Darlene is survived by her children some of which were not born of her body but of her heart. They are Simon Villanacci with wife Michelle, Julie Beesley with husband Daniel, Paul Villanacci with wife Christine, Peter Villanacci with wife Tanya, Terie Salvato, Sara Storms with husband Ronald and predeceased by Raymond Grova. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Many people in need found their way to the Villanacci household and they were always greeted with warmth. My mother and father would give a person in need a meal, a warm bed and even the last dime they had in their pocket. She loved cooking. It was her way of showing love to all who passed through her door and her door was always open. Growing up we did not even have a key to the front door. She was born in Missouri, but her home and her heart were in Greenwood Lake, New York and Boynton Beach, Florida. Besides cooking she loved softball and in true fashion she shared this love with many children. Growing up our house was the hub everyone came to She loved to play games. During the day while we were at school her girlfriends came to play cards. Italian "Canasta and May I" were the favorites. At night, on the weekends, and during snowstorms she played games with her children and her children's friends for hours on end. She never tired of playing games. In her golden years this did not change. Everyday her condo friends came over to her apartment, she would cook for them and they played games. The game of choice now was "Rumicube". It is hard to put all the wonderful things she has done in an obituary. She was larger than life. She was a character. She never looked back and seconded guessed what she should have done. She always looked ahead. She was strong willed and determined. She was loved and cherished. Her life has touched and helped many other lives. She will be forever missed. Her favorite charity is St Jude's Children's Research Hospital. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. You can mail your donation to 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105, electronically send your donation to www.stjude.org or call in your donation at 1-800-822-6344. Please reference mom's name along with your donation.