James J. Vento

James (Jim) Vento died in the presence of his loving wife of 54 years, Diana, on December 9, 2022. Born in 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio, Jim was the son of first-generation Italian American parents. He lived the American dream, becoming the first person in his family to attend and graduate college. He received both an undergraduate and graduate degree from Kent State in speech and hearing.

Jim was a speech therapist in Pennsylvania, but his skills and abilities soon lead him to the leadership of Easters Seals centers in Pennsylvania and then Youngstown, Ohio. He was named the Ohio Easter Seals executive of the year in 1976. In 1980 he became the president of Easter Seals Crossroads Rehabilitation Center in Indianapolis and served in that role for 33 years. Crossroads moved from its then small location to its present location at 52nd and Keystone, the annual budget growing from $2 million to $15,000,000 under his leadership. Thousands of lives in Ohio and Indiana were impacted by his work. He said once in an interview, “We try to ensure that people with disabilities can do the things that they might not otherwise be able to do – creating solutions, changing lives.”

His work was continually recognized with dozens of awards and appointments, including the James Pauley Lifetime Service Award, INARF Professional of the Year, the National Easter Seals Madders’ Award and a Sagamore of the Wabash. He worked with Democrat and Republican administrations. He was proud of this, recognizing his tireless mission to help others was more important than political labels.

Jim retired for what seemed like less than a day. He began volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul, and served a term as President of the all-volunteer officer corps. His efforts helped those in need in Indianapolis until his death.

His was a life of dedicated service to the betterment of humankind. He was beloved by his co-workers and board members for his tireless dedication, sense of humor and kindness.

Jim’s love of his work was surpassed only by his love for his wife and family. He was the proud father of three sons and “Papa” to his grandchildren. When Jim did sit down, it was on the beach. He loved family vacations there, and would often bring something to sand or whittle, of course. He loved to garden and tinker around the house. His grandchildren gave him the greatest joy. At this time of year, he will be fondly remembered for pasta, cookie and cannoli making with his children and grandchildren. No one has or will make a better cannoli shell.

Jim was survived by Diana, his sons, James, Matthew (Ginger), and Andrew (Laura), his grandchildren, Elena, Fiona, Dominica, Thomas, and Felix and his brothers Mario Vento and Frank Vento. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to Easter Seals Crossroads, St. Vincent de Paul, Little Sisters of the Poor and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on December 28 at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 10655 Haverstick Rd, Carmel, Indiana 46033, with refreshments to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuarycarmel.com for the Vento family.