Gino Ventresca

GINO VENTRESCA Born in Torre dei Nolfi (Aquila) Italy on October 6, 1925 passed away on August 25, 2011 at Humber River Regional Hospital. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Giovanna. He will be most sadly missed by his brother Aldo (Assunta) his sister Rosaria (Settimio), sister-in-law Maria (late brother Panfilo), his late brother Quintino (late sister-in- law Clelia), his nephews and nieces Franco (Sonia), Rosanna, Vincenzo (Betty), Sergio (Wilma), Franco (Karen) and his nieces in Italy Elena (Angelo), Maria Rita (Antonio) and Franca (Angelo). Immigrating to Canada in 1949 he quickly established himself as a leader in the Italo- Canadian community. His passion for life was reflected in his business, as founder of Ventresca Travel Agency, where he pioneered group travel to Mexico and became affectionately known as Mr. Acapulco. He co-founded and was President of Alba Tours for many years where his proudest accomplishment was being instrumental in bringing the first flight from Toronto to Pescara, his beloved region of Abruzzo. For 25 years as founder and president of the Associazione Conca di Sulmona he proudly maintained the culture and traditions of his Abruzzese roots. His love for the game of soccer manifested itself in the early 1960s and again in the early 1970s when he was president of the Toronto Italia Soccer Club where winning and doing so with class was a reflection of how he conducted himself in his everyday life. His love and respect for family and friends will always remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. The family wishes to express its profound gratitude to Dr. Sabrina Allegro at the Humber River Hospital oncology department (Church Site) for her care and compassion and to Dr. Joseph Castrodale, longtime family physician. Friends will be received at the Ward Funeral Home (4671 Hwy. 7) in Woodbridge on Saturday, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Clare of ASSISI Church located at 150 St. Francis Avenue, Woodbridge, on Monday, August 29th at 10 a.m. Entombment will follow at the Glendale Cemetery (Hwy. 27 and Albion Road). In memory of Gino, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.