Angela M Ventrella

Angela was born in Carbonara, Italy to Michele Antonio and Angela DeNicolo on September 3, 1931. She emigrated alone to the United States in 1951 aboard the SS Independence. On the last day of her voyage, she was proud to be crowned Miss Independence. After arriving in the United States, Angela made her way to Chicago with the help of an aunt and uncle. Soon after, she met the love of her life, Vito (Innocenzo) Ventrella. Ironically, Angela and Vito grew up just a few blocks from each other in Bari, Italy, though they never met. Vito fell in love with Angela’s beauty and spirit and asked her not to return to Italy, because he wanted to marry her. Angela agreed and she enrolled in beauty school and started English classes. They were married on April 24,1955 at St. Angela’s Church in Chicago, IL. Angela and Vito had three children, and moved to Arlington Height, IL where they lived happily for nearly 60 years.

Angela was passionate about her Italian heritage, and she enjoyed sharing it through her cooking. Delicious food flowed out of her kitchen every day as she nourished her family and friends. She enjoyed playing cards, laughing, singing, dancing, and working in her garden. Beautiful magnolias, hibiscus and roses, Angela’s pride and joy, still bloom in the backyard on George Street.

Angela was a devout member of Our Lady of the Wayside Parish where she was often seen greeting fellow parishioners and singing loudly and joyfully.

Angela was preceded in death by her parents, Angela and Michele; her husband, Vito; her son, Mike; and son-in law, Jack. Beloved mother of Tony (Cindy) and Sarah; cherished grandmother of Diana (Chase), Micaela (Shane), Manny (Bridgette), Michael (Mariah), and Briana; adored great-grandmother of Wrenna, Dexter, Luca and Ciana; dear sister of the late Anna (Nicola), the late Rosetta (Peppino), Michele (Maria), and the late Mario (Francesca); and fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Visitation at Our Lady of the Wayside, 434 West Park Street, Arlington Heights on Monday December 29, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM. Entombment All Saints Mausoleum in Des Plaines. For more information, please call (847) 253-5423.