Mr. Harry Venis died unexpectedly at Bethesda West Hospital in Boynton Beach, Florida at the age of 65 on July 2, 2020. Harry is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Audrey, his son, Harry, Jr., his daughter, Kathleen Schley, son-in-law Dale W. Schley, II, granddaughters, Emma and Ava, and his brother, Teddy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Sophia Venis, and his eldest brother, John Venis.
Harry was born on July 7, 1954 in Miami, Florida to Thomas and Sophia Venis. He graduated from Southwest Miami High School in 1972 and went on to graduate from Florida Atlantic University in 1976 with a degree in accounting and finance. On July 28, 1979, he married Audrey, his one and only love to the day he died. After moving to Sunrise, Harry began working for Racklin & Cohen, a large CPA firm, as a staff accountant and auditor. In 1983, Harry and Audrey welcomed their first child, Kathleen, into their home, with Harry, Jr. to follow in 1987. Harry was a dedicated father and husband who supported his family in all endeavors. He was a driven and insightful man who will always be remembered by his family as a gentle, kind, and enthusiastic person who had an insatiable appetite for life.
Harry was the first elected Mayor of the Town of Davie in Broward County, Florida. He served the Town as Mayor from 1997-2003; prior to being elected Mayor, he served as a Davie Councilman from 1994-1997. While in office he accomplished many things and brought many projects and accolades to the Town of Davie, however, he was most proud of the fact that he addressed the needs of every Town resident that reached out to him during his tenure in office. After leaving office, he continued to serve the people of Davie and Broward County by staying active and involved on various committees and commissions to further the needs of his constituents. The Town’s administration still holds Harry near and dear to their hearts, and previously issued a touching tribute which can be read at this link: https://www.davie-fl.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=625.
Besides being a dedicated family man and respected politician, Harry was also very well known for his fierce competitive streak inside the wrestling ring! Harry – a.k.a. “Dirty Harry” – grew up an avid wrestling fan and was able to turn his fandom into a viable vocation when he became a professional wrestler in his adult life. “Dirty Harry” wrestled and owned wrestling production companies at various levels and in multiple circuits all throughout the United States and the world throughout nearly a 30-year pro career. His wrestling prowess saw him on program cards and in venues ranging from large arena productions with nationally broadcasted audiences, to rodeo and camping grounds with rabid local fans who knew his everyday accounting and/or political persona. It is safe to say that, for those who knew him, Harry’s passion and love for wrestling were matched by nothing other than the love and kindheartedness he had for his family.
Due to the current pandemic, the family will not be having a funeral at this time. However, a Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a later date and appropriate details will be shared and made available once that service is set. All will be welcome to attend and celebrate Harry’s life at that time. Condolences can be sent to: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/boca-raton-fl/harry-venis-9247046/add-memory.
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