Eleanor Venditto

Eleanor Marie Venditto, 89, passed away at her home in Pittsburgh, PA, of complications from Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy body dementia; Mrs. Venditto was less than a month away from her 90th birthday, for which a neighborhood celebration had been planned.

Born on September 4, 1930, to Charles E. and Marie A. Specht, Eleanor grew up in Aspinwall, PA; she often delighted family and friends with stories of her idyllic childhood escapades. Her natural-born charm, sly sense of humor and beautiful smile made her exceptionally popular. After high school, she attended, and graduated from Slippery Rock State Teachers College (now Slippery Rock University), then did post-graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh.

Eleanor met her husband, Anthony Venditto, while both were students at Slippery Rock, and they married in 1957; the couple had one daughter, Judy Marie Venditto. In 1973, the family moved to their current home where Eleanor remained, even after Anthony passed away of pancreatic cancer in 1995. When Eleanor became ill, Judy returned to Pittsburgh from her home in New York City in order to care for her mother, ultimately honoring her mother’s wish to die at home.

Eleanor taught elementary school for more than 30 years, and was devoted to her students. Her husband was also an educator, and their home was often filled with young people, many of whom still speak of Eleanor and Anthony with great affection and respect. A gracious and enthusiastic hostess, Eleanor was an accomplished cook and baker, and took great pleasure in welcoming guests to her home. She adored her neighbors, and hosted them at barbeques and brunches and holiday gatherings whenever possible. After retiring from teaching, she became a bridal consultant at Kaufmann’s Department Store, a job she loved because it gave her an opportunity to work with young brides.

Eleanor was an excellent homemaker, so perhaps it’s not surprising that she was a homebody by nature. Nevertheless, she loved to travel with her husband and daughter, and relished new experiences.

Mrs. Venditto is preceded in death by both her parents, her husband, Anthony Venditto, and her brothers, Dr. Charles K. Specht (m. Audrey) and Rudolph W. Specht (m. Charity) She is survived by her beloved and loving daughter, Judy Marie Venditto, her grandog Michaela as well as many nieces and nephews that she adored.

Friends will be received on Friday From 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the H.P. Brandt Funeral Home, 1032 Perry Hwy., Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday morning, 10:30 am at St. John and Paul Catholic Church, 2586 Wexford Bayne Rd., followed by burial at Allegheny Cemetery.