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Francis Ventriglia Obituary
Francis "Franco" Ventriglia, husband of Jean Armstrong Ventriglia passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 28, 2012. He was born in Fairfield, CT on October 20, 1922, the son of Salvatore and Rosa Ventriglia. A graduate of Roger Ludlowe High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving in the First Marine Airwing in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war he studied voice with Mario Pagano at the American Theatre Wing. Franco and his wife Jean moved to Italy in 1954 where he studied with the famous soprano Toti dal Monte. His career lasted over 47 years, singing bass roles in most of the major European opera houses from the 1950's to the 1970's including La Scala of Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples, Florence, Bologna, Parma, Turin, Genoa, Verona, Palermo, Monte Carlo, Vienna, Amsterdam, London, Dublin, and Edinburgh. He was soloist at the closing of the Ecumenical Council with Pope Paul VI at the Vatican. During his career, he sang at Carnegie Hall, Chicago, Dallas, Hartford, Stamford, and many other venues. Survivors include his beloved wife Jean, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 3, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church Fairfield. Interment with military honors will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield. Friends may call Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Francis Ventriglia
December 11, 2012
Dear Jean
Tom and I were so saddened to hear of Franco's passing . He was a wonderful man and artist. I treasure my memories of working and performing with him.I shall always remember his glorious voice.
Tom and Oksana Protenic
Jayne Donovan Staley
December 5, 2012
Jean, My deepest sympathy for the loss of Franco. Some of my fondest childhood memories include getting to stay up late to listen to wonderful stories shared by you two when you would vsit us during your travels from your home in Milan. I attended my first opera to hear Franco sing for Sarah Caldwell at the Boston Opera House. So exciting to know the elegant gentleman singing bass. So many were blessed by the talent and fine character of your much loved leading man! Prayers for you at this difficult time.
December 5, 2012
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
December 3, 2012
Dear Jean,
You and Franco have always held a special place in my heart. I will always be grateful that Franco taught me to eat spaghetti properly by twirling noodles against a spoon. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love,
Jennifer Wermuth (Ross)
Malcolm Ross
December 3, 2012
Dear Jean, we are all so sorry to hear about Franco. The two of you have always been and always will be two of the most wonderful people we have had the privilege to know. I cherrish all the wonderful time we have spent together and the very large meals we have shared. Whether it was your home in Connecticut or the condo in Naples, according to Franco, I was always a 'growing boy' and after the amount of pasta he could get me to eat, he was right! We will miss him. Riposa in pace, Franco.
Jennifer Summers
December 2, 2012
Dear Jean- I am sorry about Franco he was a wonderful man and I will miss him so much
Jodi and Stan Ross
December 1, 2012
Dear Jean, Jodi and I were so sorry to learn of Franco's passing. We both considered him a special friend, as you are, too, and our hearts are with you at this time. Jodi and Stan Ross
Victor Diaz
November 30, 2012
Semper Fi Marine,rest in peace.Thank You
Joy & Jim Gallagher
November 30, 2012
Jean,
It goes without saying that Franco was a wonderful man. We enjoy many great memories of the both of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
November 30, 2012
Dear Jean and family:
So many years have gone by since we have been in touch but I remember all the wonderful things in life that you and Franco enjoyed so much.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Edna Vella Donnelly (Evelina's niece)
Ft. Myers, FL.
The Staff of Spear-Miller Funeral Home
November 30, 2012
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
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