The Snapshot Project

Villani Family

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Frank Villani and family on New Year’s Day, 1942.

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Frank Villani during World War I (right)
Taken in 1939, Frank’s mother arrived from Italy in 1936 to live with the family. (left)

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Frank Villani (holding son Diodato, aka Sonny) with family in 1928.

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Diodato Villani is currently the head of Villani Bus Co. started by his father, Italian immigrant Frank Villani.
Diodato Villani was chosen to receive the Citizen of the Year Award from the Elizabeth Chapter of Unico in 2005.

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Ad for Villani Bus Co. reads:
“…Born in Italy, Frank Villani founded the Villani Bus Co. Frank’s first bus was actually a rebuilt truck “the 5c Jitney Express.” Villani, formerly operated the original No. 44 bus line bonding “the Burg” (Peterstown) Elizabeth Ave, to Midtown to the Linden railroad station. Villani pioneered busing to all parts of the country (charters) from the U.S. Commerce Commission under the Grandfather’s Rights Clause. The Bus Co. is now operated by Dee Villani...”