ROBERT VENEFRA

Loving son of the late Julius and Grace. Dear brother of Rose Marie Lufkin (late Huck); deceased JoAnn Pajcic (Frank); deceased Donald Venefra; Jean Pignataro (late Pat); Julius “Butch” Venefra (Janet); Uncle, great uncle, teacher, coach and friend to many. He graduated from Olmsted Falls High School class of 1955. Received his BS from Kent State University and an MS from Colby College. 

Robert was a lifetime resident of the Olmsted community. He taught 30 years in the Olmsted Falls school system and retired in 1992. He was a chemistry teacher and chaired the science department. In 1987 he received an Outstanding Educator Award from W.H. Jenning Foundation and a Lifetime Achievement Award from A.C.S at Bowling Green State University. Robert was a 20-year student council advisor. He coached varsity football, varsity track, 8 th grade basketball and advised the varsity ice hockey team. He organized the high school Key Club and served as advisor for over 15 years. 

Aside from his school-related activities, Robert was very active in community affairs. He was in the Kiwanis Club of Olmsted Falls over 52 years receiving the following awards: Legion of Honor, Tablet of Honor, and the Harold Martin Fellowship. He served as President of the club in the 1980’s. He was a member of the Kiwanis Civic Development Foundation that built the Harding Memorial Wooden Bridge in Olmsted Falls. 

Robert served his community as a Trustee for over 22 years. During this time he served on the Southwest General Hospital board that built the hospital in Middleburg Heights. He served on the Annual Support Committee and co-chaired the Hospice fundraising campaign in the Olmsted community. Robert helped organize the Olmsted Falls Schools Endowment and Alumni Association. He served as its President and several years as a director. He was elected into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame in 2000.

Bob had a profound impact on the 44138 community and we are extremely grateful for his many contributions. He will be missed. In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested to the Olmsted Falls Schools Endowment and Alumni Association. 

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday February 5, 2024 in the funeral home at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at the Chestnut Grove Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Sunday from 1 - 4 PM at THE A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130 (WEST of I-71)