1921-2021
Marie Villani was the first women in Newark elected to citywide office. She served as Councilwoman from 1973-1993. In 1973, after her husband Ralph Villani resigned due to illness, she was appointed for the remainder of the term, and then was elected. She said she believed a “woman’s touch” on the council would be helpful.
Marie lived in Newark briefly as a child but graduated high school and went to school in Irvington. The marriage to Mr. Villani was her second marriage in 1970. Upon the marriage she owned the House of Juliano Botique and was the widow of Robert Juliano.
Bibliography
Photo from Newark Public Library
Wilstein, David. (2021, Jul 17). Marie Villani, Newark city councilwoman for 20 years, dies at 100. New Jersey Globe. https://newjerseyglobe.com/in-memoriam/marie-villani-newark-city-councilwoman-for-20-years-dies-at-100/
Newark Public Library Digitized Items
Mayor Ralph A. Villani Collection, Newark Public Library.
V-04 Villani, Ralph. Newark News Morgue File. Newark Public Library.
“Newark Municipal Council” IF File. Newark Public Library.
Newark Star Ledger
“Council President Marries in Newark” Newark News Jan 12, 1970
“Marie L Siconolfi East Orange Bride” Newark News May 14, 1945
Cahill, Regina “Mrs. Villani to Add Woman’s Touch” Star Ledger May 27, 1973