Guido Ventresca

Guido was born to Luisa Lo Stracco and Gentile Ventresca on December 19, 1929, in Italy; and passed away peacefully at his home in Fresno on June 29, 2022, with his children and grandchildren near him. The day he passed was his wedding anniversary; he followed that request to come home. He was 92 years old.

Guido, the youngest Ventresca of three sons grew up in Torre Dei Nolfi, Italy, near Rome. As a brave teen living in Italy, he helped his mama Luisa Lo Stracco survive the chaos of having an enemy occupied home, while aiding Allied soldiers, sailors and airmen during the WWII flurry and Mussolini. His young brave efforts during that war saved the lives of five Allied soldiers, and received a commendation from H.R. Alexander, Field Marshall of the Mediterranean Theatre. At 17 years of age, he made his great escape to the USA, always remaining loyal to his brothers “Nino and Sebastiano and Mama Luisa.”

While in America, it was not long before he fell in love with beautiful Doris of the Goulart family. She became his loving wife for over 60 years and with this union his family instantly grew with her many siblings and cousins. His own family also grew, adding his sons Johnny and Rocky; and lastly came Lisa, who really stole his heart. John married Lucianna; and Lisa wed John Bonadelle and the family continued to grow.

A self-made man he was a plastering Contractor by trade. As he grew older, his arms became tired; and so in his 70’s he started growing almonds and became a West Fresno farmer.

Guido was “the” great white hunter…every season elk, deer, ducks, and even fishing. Annual trips to Montana or Colorado were filled with hunting and family fun. He loved being in their Shaver cabin, baking waffles on Sundays for the family. He enjoyed his speed boats and took his family water skiing at every opportunity. Family gatherings and out of town trips kept the Ventresca, Goulart and Cervelli families very close. He is “Uncle Guido” to so many loving nieces and nephews. His love for the great outdoors never faded. His long-term membership marked him an avid participant at the Los Banos Midway Duck Club, where he continued to gain friends. For him and Doris, bowling was a weekly event, then bocce and dinner at the Dante Club became his new fun. He would watch Sunday football diligently, as if it were mass. He loved those 49er’s and was full of coaching advice. When football and bocce seasons would end, the SF Giants took the field-his loyalty to his teams always kept him tuned in. Later in life a new passion he found became the casino. He was always ready for a quick trip to pull that lever! Not sure of the losses but we heard when he got that big hit.

He and Doris started Guido Ventresca Plastering, a self-made successful business that operated over 40-years. He was a well-respected Fresno Contractor, very proud of his talent and accomplishments. As a plastering contractor he would hold Christmas Eve BBQ’s using the meat from his hunts along with other great foods. These gatherings were for employees, family, associates, and friends at the yard on Weber Avenue. Holidays have always been his favorite time to enjoy family as this was his platform for his endless stories and of course telling jokes, his real claim to fame!

The last 1 ½ years he struggled greatly after surviving several strokes. Life as he knew it, with all his beloved activities came to a halt. His admirable perseverance, strength and family support got him through. He remained the glue that kept the growing family together. As he rises to heaven, we are happy that he is with those he loves who have passed and is again “free to move about.”

He has always been so unique in character as father and friend…He needed little introduction, other than “Guido.”

Guido is now with his loving wife Doris; his son Rocky who left us too soon; his parents, and brother Innocenzo Ventresca and his wife Laura, and many good friends and family who did precede him. He leaves behind his brother Sebastiano who is 100 years old and lives in Italy. He is survived by his children: John and Lucianna Ventresca; Lisa and John Bonadelle. Also, his grandchildren: Nicolas and Giana Ventresca, John and Caroline Bonadelle, Giovanni and Irina Ventresca; Guido Jr; Satrina and Michael Amodei; granddaughters Bianca and Mia Bonadelle and his seven great-grandchildren. He was remarkably close to his nephews, nieces, cousins…and he had the joy of seeing his great grandchildren start their lives. We are deeply saddened, love him and will miss him dearly.

Recitation of the Rosary and Mass will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 13th at 9:30 am.

Remembrances may be made to the Ducks Unlimited charitable foundation, for the preservation of the wetlands: online: www.ducks.org/get-involved/memorial-giving. Or by mail to: Ducks Unlimited Memorial Contribution, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120