Joseph Della Ventura

Joseph D. Ventura, Sr., 80, of Englewood, passed away on December 14, 2008. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Tuesday at Lemon Bay Funeral Home. A Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Wednesday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 5265 Placida Road, with interment following at Gulf Pines Memorial Park.

He was born in Providence, Rhode Island and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He earned a Bachelors of Science degree from Thomas Jefferson College of Law. A 45-year resident of Miami, he was a WWII veteran in the US Navy. He was proud to be a retired Police Officer of the Miami Police Department, and a member of the motorcycle drill team. Following his first retirement, he operated a printing company, a school of polygraphy and published several community newspapers in North Miami Beach. He was a devoted husband, wonderful father and devout Catholic. He touched many lives and was never too busy to help a friend, provide wise counsel or share a smile. He was a source of inspiration and mentor to many persons, and will be sorely missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Nellie, daughter Domenica Ventura, son Jerry Ventura Terese, daughter Nita Ashley, son Joe Ventura, Jr. Donna, daughter Maria Ventura-Meesit Mike and grandchildren John, Daniel, Joe, Andrew, Matthew, Leah, Kayla, Christopher and Matthew.

Lemon Bay Funeral Home Englewood Chapel is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences to the family at lemonbayfh.com