JoAnn Venturella

Avid Gardener, Animal Lover

JoAnn Venturella passed away peacefully on Friday, February 8, 2019, with her children and beloved family at her side.

Born JoAnn Aagesen on Staten Island in 1943, she was a daughter of Edgard V. and Mina Aagesen. She was a graduate of Curtis High School and was an Information Operator with the New York Telephone Company. In 1960, she was crowned Brooklyn's “Miss Princess Telephone,” an event coinciding with the introduction of the namesake phone. In 1966, she married the late Anthony T. Venturella and left the phone company to raise her family.

Mrs. Venturella returned to the workforce in 1977 and began a career that would span 30 years as the Director of Central Services at Wagner College. Early in her career there, she volunteered to coach the Wagner Seahawks Cheerleading squad that, under her guide, drew kudos for their sharp appearances and precision cheers. Her years spent as coach and mentor to the squad was a highlight of her time spent on Grymes Hill.

A former 200 bowler, JoAnn was a talented gardener and lover of all animals, particularly her beloved cats, long ago earning her the appropriate nickname of “Earth Mother.” St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint to Animals, was her favorite saint. She lovingly maintained two ponds in her backyard gardens that had goldfish, tadpoles and, for a long time, a big frog she named Prince. When she wasn't digging and planting, she was an avid baseball fan and never missed a Yankees game or the opportunity to shout at a bad call. She also enjoyed reading and traveling.

Mrs. Venturella was predeceased by her husband, Anthony, last March. She is survived by her sons, Anthony (“Boo”) and Edward; her daughter, Christine D'Arbanville, and her favorite son-in-law, Michael D'Arbanville. She is also survived by her twin brother, Edgard W. Aagesen of Huntsville, AL, and her sister, Karen Aagesen of Londonderry, NH.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 2-4 PM & 7-9 PM at Casey's Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Avenue, Staten Island, NY, 10314. On Wednesday, Feb. 13, there will be a memorial service at 10:30 AM, also at Casey's.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks kindly that you consider instead a donation to the Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare. Their mailing address is: SICAW, Inc., PO Box 120125, Staten Island, NY 10312-0125. SICAW can be found on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SICAWSAVES/.

JoAnn had an infectious laugh and a ready smile for everyone. She defined grace under pressure. She will be terribly missed and she will ALWAYS be loved.