Obituary of Andrew R. Venturo

Andrew "Andy" R. Venturo Andrew "Andy" R. Venturo, 90, of Rome, passed away Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Rome Memorial Hospital with his family by his side. He was born in Rome, NY on April 26, 1922 son of the late Anthony and Agnes Lombardo Venturo. Andy attended Rome schools. He served with the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II on a landing craft. Andy received a Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal. On November 23, 1953 he married Colette Berthelotte in LaBasilique of Notre Dame in Ottawa, Canada. She passed away December 4, 2000. Mr. Venturo was a retired mason, having worked at BS McCarey. He was a member of the local brick layers union. Andy was a devout member of St. John the Baptist Church and its building committee, H.P. Smith Post #24 American Legion, Rome DAV, and Toccolana Club. Andy was truly a devoted husband, having taken care of his wife during her illness until her passing. He was a devoted father who was always available to his family, whether it be shoveling a driveway, raking leaves or giving fatherly advice. Andy was especially fond of his grandchildren, taking them to area playgrounds and always praising them for their accomplishments. He especially enjoyed socializing, and would meet his friends at Burger King (table 22) to share a story and solve the problems of the world. The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Buckley and all the "angels" on the second and third floor at Rome Hospital that provided his care. We would also like to thank the VNA, especially Faith, for all their care and compassion provided at home. Surviving are three daughters and sons-in-law, Denise and William Pogozelski, Sandra Heilig and her fiance Pat Summo, Lisa and John Herbowy, all of Rome; four grandchildren and spouses, Neil and Jennifer Pogozelski, Megan and Larry Cracchiolo, Carlie Heilig, and Andrew and Colin Herbowy; three great-grandchildren, Ethan, Owen, and Juliana. Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Lucille Venturo, Rochester, NY; and several nieces and nephews; and special neighbors Benny and Dot. He was predeceased by his wife Colette; three brothers, Carmen, Augustine and John Venturo; and six sisters, Josephine Griffin, Irene Anania, Lena Ferlo, Catherine Occhipinti, Mary Talerico, and Antoinette Galluppi. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10:15 a.m. from the Nicholas J. Bush funeral Home, Inc., 218 W Court St., and at St. John the Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 210 E. Dominick St, Rome NY 13440.