Joseph T. Venezia Sr.

Joseph Thomas Venezia, Sr., age 81 of Monroe, beloved husband of the late Ida Ciotti Venezia, passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 12, 2011 in St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, CT. Born on December 28, 1929 in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Raffaele and Rosina (Di Giacomo) Venezia. Joe was the manager of Maraczi's and the Duchess Restaurant for many years and a Korean War Army veteran. He will always be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, his love of the New York Mets and Jets and his strength when dealing with numerous health issues over the years. He is survived by his children, Elaine (and Socrates) Necklas, Carol (and Glen) Prentice, Joanne (and Gene) Pendakiwskyj, Joseph (and Kym Knapp) Venezia Jr., nine grandchildren, Keith (and Kim) Crumb, Erica Crumb (and Scott) Meyer, Heather and Erin Prentice, Gene and Daniel Pendakiwskyj, Anthony, Nicholas and Christopher Venezia as well as four great-grandchildren, Tyler and Madeline Crumb and Scott and Ethan Meyer. He is also survived by his two brothers Ralph and Stephen Venezia of Fairfield. He was predeceased by his brother William Venezia. Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 17 from 4-8 PM at the Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, January 18 at 10 AM at St. Jude Roman Catholic Church 707 Monroe Turnpike. Guests are requested to meet directly at the church. Interment following at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull, CT. Donations may be made in honor of Joe's memory to Swim Across The Sound, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT or The American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312. Dad ....a piece of our hearts leave with you.