Tribute to St. Paul baker killed on his way to work

Loved ones and community members are coming together to honor a St. Paul baker.

Ben Villano, 31, was killed in a car accident on Nov. 13 while driving to work at Rose Street Patisserie’s Bread Lab.

Just before 3 a.m., a Tesla exited Dale Street from eastbound I-94 and T-boned Villano’s Toyota RAV4. Criminal charges allege that the driver of the Tesla, 22-year-old Musab Ibrahim Kosar, was going more than 100 mph prior to the crash.

A GoFundMe page established to support Villano’s family says he leaves behind a “beloved” wife, adoring family, and tight-knit community of fellow bakers.

“Everyday, Ben devoted his heart and hands to lovingly crafting and baking artisan bread, nourishing the bodies, hearts, and souls of thousands of locals,” the page reads.

“Ben will be remembered as a beau