Tony Ventrello

Tony “Buzz” Ventrello, Age 95, passed away on Saturday February 4, 2017. Beloved husband of Mary (nee Paveglio) Loving father of Karen (Orazio) Cristina, Toni Lynn (Jim) Pike and Debbi (Tom) Peterson. Devoted grandfather of Tracey (Matthew) Malczyk, Amy Rogers, Beth Cristina, Ryan (Andrea) Day, Joseph (Heidi) Cristina and Kevin (Hannah) Day. Great grandfather of Brianna, Anthony M., Anthony J., Cristina, Alex, Mia, Joshua, Brooklyn, Makena, Olivia, Lillyana, Miles, Nolan and Kendall. Dear brother of Pasquale (the late Marie) Ventrello, Ann (the late Dominick) Pisano and Eleanor Ventrello and the late Jean, Rae, Mike, Natalie, Guy, Jerry and Donald. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Growing up in the 1930’s definitely had its challenges but Tony contributed in any way possible to make life easier for his family. As an early teenager, Tony took on his first job at the local candy store earning 16 cents per hour. Through hard work and perseverance, he eventually became owner of a Sinclair Gas Station and eventually retired as a Mechanic for Continental Airlines. He married the love of his life, Mary, in 1944 and was a devoted husband for 72 years. Together they raised 3 daughters and enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Tony truly was an inspiration to many because of the commitment and love he showed to Mary and his family. After retiring Tony continued living an active lifestyle. He enjoyed spending Sunday mornings walking the Maxwell Street Market where he loved meeting new people and maintaining existing friendships. Tony was a renown storyteller and was known for making others laugh. He loved hosting and cooking Sunday dinners for his family where he filled them with angel hair pasta and homemade gravy, spaghetti aglio, pasta e fagioli, homemade soup, and Gene and Jude's famous hot dogs. He truly was the beloved patriarch of his family. He took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a strong support to his family and friends and was passionately dedicated to caring for his family to the end of his life. We will miss his sense of humor and jovial spirit. He celebrated life every day and will be long remembered. Visitation Friday Feb. 10, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Ave. Norridge. The funeral will then proceed to St. Eugene Church for 11:00 a.m. Mass. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in River Grove, Il.