Patrick Anthony Villani, Sr. M.D.

Patrick Anthony Villani, Sr, born August 21, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, at the age of 89. The son of Italian immigrants, Pat carried with him a deep appreciation for hard work, discipline, and lifelong learning, values that shaped both his career and his family. From a young age, Pat showed a love of reading, science, and music, playing the trumpet and excelling in his studies at St. Juliana Grade School. He attended University of Detroit High School before graduating from DeLaSalle Collegiate, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Wayne State University in 1958. He completed his medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1962, beginning a distinguished career in ophthalmology. On April 19, 1954, at the Vanity Ballroom in Detroit, Pat met the love of his life, Angell DeMeglio. From that day forward, they were inseparable. The two were married on September 30, 1962, at Holy Family Church in Detroit, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, devotion, and shared purpose. Pat and Angell began their family in a modest flat in Detroit, where they welcomed their first three children. In 1968, they moved to Grosse Pointe Woods, where they completed their family with baby number four. Pat proudly served as a National Guard Army reservist while building a medical practice that would become a cornerstone of the metro Detroit community. An “old school” physician in the best sense, he believed deeply in personal care, routinely making house calls, taking late-night phone calls, and meeting patients at his office long after hours. In the operating room, he was known for playing opera, really loud, bringing both precision and personality to his work. Fluent in Italian, he served many Italian-American families who might otherwise have struggled to access care. His office on Kelly Road in East Detroit became a trusted place for generations of patients. Pat was a member of the American Board of Ophthalmology and served in many professional capacities throughout his career, including Chief of Ophthalmology at St. John North Shore. He has received numerous awards and acknowledgements for his volunteer work with organizations such as the Italian-American Cultural Center, Pime Missionaries Knights of Charity, Friends of the Michigan Opera and Circolo de Medici. He was also a founding member of the Nothdurft Pediatric Endowment Fund, supporting specialized care for children. Ever dedicated to advancing his field, he traveled to Bogotá, Colombia in 1988 to learn a then-emerging procedure that would later become known as LASIK. Outside of medicine, Pat enjoyed golfing as a member of Lochmoor Club and staying active with regular workouts at the Detroit Athletic Club. During summer months, he spent countless hours boating on Lake St. Clair. His greatest joy was his grandchildren. He was a constant presence at swim meets, soccer games, and hockey rinks, often traveling long distances, proudly dressed in team spirit wear, cheering from the stands and holding handmade signs. He beamed with pride at every accomplishment, big or small. A lifelong learner, Pat remained intellectually curious well into his later years. He was a voracious reader who could speak knowledgeably on subjects ranging from European history and World War II to philosophy, science, and the Chinese dynasties. Even in his final months, he continued taking online courses in physics, religion, history, finance, music, and as all his grandchildren know - Stoicism. He was known to regularly quote Winston Churchill and George S. Patton, sharing wisdom with those around him. Pat lived a full and meaningful life, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, intellect, discipline, and deep love for his family. He will be remembered not only for his skill as a physician, but for the countless lives he touched with his kindness, dedication and profound reflections on life, love and duty. He is survived by his beloved wife, Angell; his children, Patrice Asimakis (Bill), Patrick, Jr. (Sara), Roy John (Anne) and Gina Buskirk (Christopher); his grandchildren, Sara Chen (Demin), Billy Asimakis, Olivia Asimakis, Samantha Villani, Nicola Gahm (Matt), Natalia Asimakis, Christopher Buskirk, Jr., Mirella Villani, Nicholas Asimakis, Gabriela Villani, Anna Buskirk, Angell Villani, Tessa Buskirk and Ava Villani; and many extended family members, friends, and grateful patients. Above all else, Pat will be remembered as devoted husband, father, and grandfather who placed family at the center of his life. A private family service will be held to honor Pat’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Patrick Anthony Villani, Sr. M.D.

August 21, 1936 - April 20, 2026