Robert Villa passed away on September 19, 2023. He was 60 years old. He was born June 16, 1960, in North East Pa to Charles and Thelma Villa, He was a 1978 graduate of North East High School. In high school Robert was a stand out football player. After graduating he took his talents to Youngstown State University. Robert played one season at YSU and then joined the Marines. He was sent to Korea and spent 14 months there. Years later he would claim that while in Korea 'his feet were never dry". When he return from Korea he enrolled at Allegheny College in Meadville Pa, where he continued his education in business and played football. Robert is one of only 2 Gators that have consecutive 200-yard rushing game and still holds records at his alma mater. He was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 11th round in 1983, he ended up playing in Canada for the Ottawa Rough Riders where an injury ended his career. He was inducted into the Metropolitan Erie Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2013 and the North East Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017. Jim never met a club he didn't want to join! He was a founding member of The Commodore Perry Yacht Club and Bay City Gun Club. He helped star S.O.N of lake Erie and belonged to Ducks Unlimited. He enjoyed skeet shooting at the Erie Skeet Club and belonged to many other clubs in the Erie area. Robert was an avid sports man, he hunted, fished, snowmobiled, rode 4 wheelers, and loved boating. But the illness suddenly struck him. After 5 years of fighting the disease, he passed away, leaving behind his 4 year old daughter and his wife.