Regina S. Venditto

Regina S. Venditto, of Southington, passed away surrounded by her family on May 13, 2015. Regina was born in Brookline, MA on January 27, 1935. She was the youngest daughter of the late Joseph and Sara (Haley) Strain.

Regina was a highest honors graduate of Norte Dame Academy (HS), magna cum laude graduate of both Boston College (Education) and Central Connecticut University (History). While at Boston College, she was a member of the EKE (Alpha and Omega) Honor Society. Regina met the love of her life, Carl Venditto, while they both attended college in Boston. Carl and Regina were married on April 26, 1958. After graduation, she began her teaching career at Roosevelt Junior HS in New Britain, CT. Regina was passionate about education, a dedicated wife and loving mother to her family. Regina was a History teacher at Briarwood College and an adjunct professor at both Tunxis Community College and Post University. Regina’s interests included a lifelong love of reading (historical books, biographies and mystery stories), having the family for Sunday dinners, watching Jeopardy (she often knew the answers before the TV show contestants!!). She contributed her reviews and insights to “The Cozy Mystery” blog. She was a member of the Angela Thirkell Society and attended their national conference. She was an informational source for her ancestry to family members near and far. Regina remained a diehard Boston College Eagles fan would often watch their games on TV. She was proud of attaining the special distinction of a Golden Eagle in 2006 (people that had graduated 50 years prior from Boston College). Carl and Regina had many opportunities to travel together during the years and her favorite spots were throughout Europe.

Regina is survived by her husband, of 57 years, Carl Venditto; her two daughters, Elizabeth (William) Hosmer of Southington, Victoria (Mitchell) Gates of Castle Rock, CO; and one son, Richard Venditto of Newington. She will be missed by her grandchildren, Seth (Sabrina) Hosmer, Eric Hosmer, Gunther Gates and Kendryn Gates.

Regina is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Strain of Brookline, MA, her brother-in-law, Eugene (Donna) Venditto of Naples, FL and her sister-in-law, Gerri Strain of Seattle, WA along with a nephew, Joseph (Catherine) Strain of Seattle, WA and a niece, Karen (David) Fletcher of Arlington, VA.

The Funeral will be on Monday, May 18, 2015 at 9:45 am from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington for a 10:30 am Mass at St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol Street, Southington. A wake for Regina will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2015 from 4-8 pm. Internment will take place at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made in Regina’s memory to CPTV, 1049 Asylum Avenue

Hartford, CT 06105-2411 or Southington Community Services, 91 Norton Street, Plantsville, CT 06479.