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John Venuti Obituary
Friends may call at the DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home, 181 N. Main St., Geneva, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday (March 26). Members of Arch Lodge # 33 F. & A.M. will conduct a Masonic Service at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. for their departed brother.
Funeral Services, with full military honors, will be at 9 a.m. on Saturday, (March 27) at the funeral home and at 9:30 a.m. in St. Francis de Sales Church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.
John was born in Geneva and was the son of the late Joseph A. and Mary J. Schibley Venuti. After high school, John joined the U.S. Army and was discharged honorably after three years before continuing service to Our Country for twenty years with the New York State National Guard, where he retired as a Sergeant. In pursuit of his life long passion for the general contracting industry, John worked for the N.Y. State DOT, Warren Bros. Construction, Frank DiMino Construction and Sealand Contractors Corp.
In the early 80's, John moved to Florida to pursue his dream and began his own construction firm, Underground Industries Inc. He proudly served as past president and served many years on the board of directors for the Underground Contractors Assoc. of South Florida, and was a member of Underground Utility Contractors of Florida and National Underground Contractors Assoc. John received many awards and recognitions for his contributions to the utility construction industry.
John enjoyed spending time with countless friends and family, deep sea fishing, deer hunting and NASCAR Racing. He traveled around the world but he was most relaxed at his Hillside Hunting Camp in Upstate New York. In the NASCAR community, the Bear was well respected and was always welcomed at all events. John was a member of Arch Lodge #33 F. & A.M., Damacus Shrine, Royal Order of Jesters and the Geneva Shrine Club.
John's memory will be cherished by his children, Carla (Bernie) Vito, Karen (Jack) DiCampli, and Johnna (Tim) Venuti-Piggee, all of Florida; his brother, Joseph P. (Marlene) Venuti of Geneva; grandchildren, Alicia, Bianca, John Jr., Mary, T.J. and Jayson; nephews, Joseph M. (Pamela) Venuti, Mark S. (Brandy) Venuti; his niece, Jennifer (Ken) Harris; and his loving companion, Diane Corbin. He will be greatly missed by his numerous family members and endless friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Venuti
David Ferugia
March 16, 2019
John Venuti/The Bear! The end of a legend ! There was something about the man that touched so many peoples hearts! Growing up in Geneva I knew the Venuti family very well! Regardless if you were family or friends with John everyone had the upmost respect for this great man! I find this memory after not seeing him for a while this one is cousin Steven and his wife came to visit John in Palm Beach and they all drove down to Fort Lauderdale to have dinner at our house. Just talking about the old days in Geneva when Johnnys joint was very active and all the boating we all did on Seneca Lake! I can still remember the sound of his voice in the left of it filled his heart. Rest in peace John
Jim George
April 2, 2010
words can't say how great a guy and an even better friend John was and I'm sure all that had any contact with him has some very special memories to always remember him by.One hell of a remarkable man.
Lisa Weise
March 31, 2010
John, words cannot say how much I miss you and the memories of our friendship will forever live in my heart!! I smile of all the good times you have shared with me!!! You will be so missed, but live in all of your loved ones hearts! I am blessed to of had you care for me with your friendship for so many years...Lisa Weise....God Bless You!!
Chester with the Bear at Nick's on the Lake, Pocono
Chester Maszczenski
March 27, 2010
I think John and I became friends through divine intervention. Being in the right place at the right time is no coincidence. The Bear intoduced me to his friends and treated me like family.
I have so many fond memories with him, I know he'll never be far away from me.
Going to the race will not be the same without the Bear. I'll miss him more than he'll ever know.
May God welcome him into His home.
David Ferugia
March 27, 2010
Growing up in Geneva you looked at John the( bear) Venuti as a legend! He worked hard and played even harder! As kids we loved going to Johnny's Joint witch was a little bar that john owned in Geneva. He lived life to the fullest! Rest in peace Johnny!...David Ferugia ~ Ft lauderdale Fla.
blaze henry
March 27, 2010
i will miss u very much! from kaitlyn, dog blaze
Kaitlyn Henry
March 27, 2010
My uncle John was the best guy in the world. H e was so nice to me and my mom. I loved him very much. He was so kind and generous. He was also my god father. I loved to go over to his house on Saturdays and play with his dogs and help him around the house. He always had ritz crackers and mac n cheese for me. I'll miss him so much. I love u uncle John!
so many great memories
Ron Brown
March 26, 2010
C Tubbs
March 26, 2010
I met John through a friend of mine. He was a fun loving, kind, generous man who loved life to the fullest. I enjoyed going to the parties at Nascar time in August. John you will me missed by many. RIP.......
Big John Youk
March 25, 2010
As you now, I will not be able to attend the services being held for John this weekend. I struggled to make it thru last weekend and having a bittersweet result with Tony finishing second and Ryan making advances to get to 16th...... I will not be a happy camper because I feel I should visit with everyone and say farwell to my buddy John. If this was for one of the regular folks on the team, the world would come to an end for them and be flown around on private jets and all that to get them to be with their friends and families....
So, since I am not able to be there I thought I might have a word to pass along to everyone close to John, (family) and mostly friends...... As I'm sure most know John was a part of all of us we can never get back now.... I certainly didn't realize how much he meant to me until I sat down on my cooler in Bristol and gazed back at alot of the fun and races and even the serious times we had together..... For several minutes I didn't even hear the loudness of practice and went back to that walk around the woods I made up there a few weeks ago and couldn't believe that it has come to an end...... I certainly havent spent the quality time with him that most have, but I know what he meant to me and I sincerely hope he has gone knowing I cared an awful lot for him and all of his family and friends..... I will say that it was Jerry Schweitz who put us together and hadn't it been for him, I would have most likely never know any of all you good people of upstate New York.
The "Picnic" (Watkins Glen weekend) has been the times of my life, cooking, drinking, joking around and getting to know new people all the time. Who knows now where that will all go, but I will cash all that in to have John sitting in front of the TV watching that stupid Law and Order...... ( they always win their case) and I think he knew the words to all the shows....
I know it wont be easy but will you please say solong to him for me, and tell everyone I miss them and know I am wishing I was up there myself to bid farewell to a good friend.
This is what the miles between do to a person I guess. I will be thinking of everyone and know its a sad sad day. Take care and I'll talk to you sometime soon......
Big John
Rick Henry
March 25, 2010
"THE BEAR"
You go thru life having alot of acquaintenences, but very rarely do you come across a great friend. That's what "the bear" was to me. John Venuti was the most kind and generous man I have ever meant. So many great times at races, hunting camp, and out at his house. He was also my daughters god father. You will be missed my friend! My heart and prayers go out to Diane and all your kids and grandkids. Will see u up in the big sky someday!
Colleen Steffen-Abanto
March 25, 2010
Dear Venuti Family and Diane, we are very sorry to hear about the passing of John. He was very good to my father and we had some fun times at Daytona. We also share a love for Bully Hill wines which he introduced us to. He was loved by many and will be missed greatly. God Bless John, his family, and friends.
Julie Harris
March 25, 2010
I'm so sorry for your loss! Unfortunately, I never got to know Jen's Uncle John but have heard so many wonderful things about him over the past 20 years I feel your loss! Joe... if he was anything like his brother, he was a wonderful, great guy! Much love to you all. Julie
Jimmy& Mindee Walker
March 25, 2010
We will never ever forget John's generosity towards our family .He was an honest and genuine most kind hearted soul. He truly will be missed . We are so sorry for the family's loss . Sorry for the loss to everyone John loved and befriended. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Phil Cavali Jr.
March 25, 2010
There will be no more Thunder at the Glen, no more wonderful gatherings at The Camp like before. I will cherish many of those memories that The Bear gave me. I was blessed to know him thru my Dad and then in NASCAR. He was bigger than life in every venue he was at, always adding that special Bear feeling.
We will miss you Bear. I'll think of you every time I go to Ciros!
March 24, 2010
.
George & Michelle Van De Mortel
March 24, 2010
Johns loss will be felt by us all. God bless him. He will be truly missed.
March 24, 2010
JOHN WAS A VERY DEAR FRIEND FOR OVER 30 YEARS AND WILL BE SADLY MISSED,TO ALL THE FAMILY,WE ARE TRULY SORRY TO HEAR OF THE BEARS PASSING,MAY GOD BLESS YOU BEAR.LOVE,CINDY,KIM AND JEFF
Lori & Scott Bonacci
March 24, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Bear will be missed!
DAVE ROGERS FAMILY
March 24, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
March 24, 2010
John was a wonderful friend to me and my wife for years. We looked forward to seeing him every time we came to Florida. He took me and our son Rick fishing and to Nascar races. Our trips to Florida will not be the same without the "bear". Ray and Evie Henry.....Hanover, Pa.
Don & Susie Parrish
March 24, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to the Venuti family and Diane. He had a heart of gold and always made us feel welcome, we enjoyed many good time. God bless, Don & Susie Parrish
Ken Steele
March 24, 2010
Carla and Venuti Family,
I just read of the passing of your father. I wanted to offer my deepest condolences for your loss. I am sure you know he loved you and those memories will carry you though this difficult time.
I will, sadly, be unable to be there to support you in person however I am there in spirit as are many of your fellow Class of 1978 Midlakes classmates. If there is anything any of us can do, please do not hesitate to ask.
Deepest regards,
George Goff
March 24, 2010
Mr. Venuti was a very close friend of my father, Howard Goff and it was through my father that I got to know Mr. Venuti. He was alway a class act and a great business man. His contributions to both New York and Florida construction are unmeasureable. I really wish I could have talked with him prior to his passing, it is something I will regret, but I am very thankful for the conversations in the past. To the Venuti family, I know this is a hard time but smile knowing "the Bear" was a great man and even better Dad. God Bless, MSgt George Goff.
Ellen & Gary Parmelee Sr.
March 24, 2010
To Joe and Family,
John will always live in our hearts and prayers. All of us that knew him, will now have a Special Guardian Angel watching over us up in Heaven. He truly was "ONE OF THE BEST". God Bless Him!
scott murray
March 23, 2010
To the Venuti family my thoughts & prayers are with you. My Dad was buddies with john and one of first partners with the hunting camp. I have fond memories going up everyweek and fixing the place up. you always knew when john was in the room. he was a big man in heart and soul.
Bill DeLong
March 23, 2010
Once you were John's friend- - you were always John's friend. The memories are so vidid of John's friendship and hospitality on his 'Host Boat' on Seneca Lake, at his welcoming bar in Geneva and at 'The Hunting Camp'.
Every Day was fun for John and he made sure it was fun for everone else also. There has to be more happiness in Heaven today now that you are there,Bear.
We all miss you so very much.
March 22, 2010
Thank you, Bear, for touching our lives
March 22, 2010
There were so many that loved him...
March 22, 2010
He was never without that smile and the twinkle in his eye....
March 22, 2010
Thomas Constable
March 22, 2010
You were a wonderful friend John. You touched the hearts of so many in such a short period of time. Always giving a lending hand to those in need. Your military service to your country was note worthy and well respected by your peers. Great job John and God Bless. You truly were a SPECIAL PERSON.
Eddie Spurling
March 22, 2010
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of John. our sincere sympathy is with the Venuti family.
Eddie Spurling and Rex White
Sherry Steffen Hochheimer
March 22, 2010
Deepest sympathies to the Venuti Family & Diane. John was a wonderful, fun, loving gentleman. I am so blessed to have known him and had the honor to go to the races in his company. I will truly miss his smile and gracious heart. May the Lord welcome him home to watch over all of us.
All our love,
Sherry & Nooie
Dana & Frank Young
March 22, 2010
Dearest Venuti Family & Diane,
Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you during this great loss. John has touched and enhanced our lives in a way that will never be duplicated or outweighed. We will forever miss Papa Bear's jokes, that smile and the special "twinkle" in his eyes. We should all hope to attain the unlimited special qualities he carried on to everyone he met. His huge heart was filled with the deepest of compassion. We will truly miss our Papa Bear! With Deepest Sympathy, Dana ("Sweet Pea") and Frank Young
geoff grassette jr
March 22, 2010
My thoughts & prayers are with the Venuti Family. I know the years of Great memories will comfort your loss.
Take vare and God Bless.
Morgan McClure Motorsports
March 22, 2010
To the Venuti Family,
It's hard to understand why people are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing you all were a special part of such a well-lived life. John was a special friend to all that knew him. We are sorry to hear of his passing and all our thoughts and prayers to all of you. He will be sadly missed by the racing community and remember when the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange, those memories are the legacy of love. We cannot take away your sadness, but may John's happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time.
Respectfully,
Morgan McClure Motorsports, Inc.
Abingdon, VA
March 22, 2010
To Diane and and the whole Venuti family, my warmest sympathy and prayers to help you get through this time.I will deeply miss my dear friend John, always there to listen and give advice. A very generous and loving man, he could always make you laugh. There were always stories of his travels and fond stories of other friends that have passed. Nothing, (especially Hillside Hunting Camp) will be the same without him. I will alway love and rember him fondly. Dawn Phenes (Savona, NY)
Beaver & Ginny Bear
March 22, 2010
Beaver and Ginny Bear are sending our sympathy to the family of John. He was a good friend and a wonderful kind man. We wil always remember the good times together at the races and of course Beaver working with John thru the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. God Bless you John!!
MaryHanna Clodfelter
March 22, 2010
Mr. Venuti was certainly the "bear" and kept all of us on our toes. He was truly a great person to work with on so many projects thru the years. The community has lost a great one. Our thoughts are with all his family at this time.
Connie and Joe Pignatiello
March 22, 2010
John was a good friend and wonderful neighbor. He will be sadly missed. Mark, Joey, Judy and Betsy all loved and respected Mr. Venuti. We will raise a glass of Bully Hill wine in respect to you today John. Our deepest condolences to Diane and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rich & Patti Avon
March 22, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, we are deeply saddened with the passing of "The BEAR":
Those we love remain with us
For love itself lives on,
And cherished memories never fade
Because a loved one's gone.
Those we love can never be
More than a thought apart,
Far as long as there is memory,
They'll live on in the heart.
March 22, 2010
Bear, you were truly "one of a kind". Our hearfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the Venuti family. To Diane, you took him off the market and lost him all too soon. Cherish those memories.
Dick and Sharon Myers
Richard Bright
March 22, 2010
John was great friend which we had a lot of memories, he will always be in our thoughts, to my good friend
Rich and Kim Bright
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