Eric James Venezia

VENEZIA, Eric James Eric James Venezia, 44 of 209 Perch Rock Trail, passed away peacefully at Hartford Hospital on Friday, (August 24, 2007) after fighting with all of his remaining strength. Eric was surrounded at the end by his Dad and the dedicated and compassionate medical staff that had attended him for 68 days. Eric was born August 6, 1963 in Winsted. The second son of Frank A. Venezia and Judith Hall Venezia who died in 1965. Eric and Frank Jr. were raised by their dad and loving Grandmother, Jeannette M. Venezia, who passed away just last year. Eric went to local elementary schools and attended Oliver Wolcott Technical School. He finished his last year of high school at the Gilbert School class of 1982. In the summer of 1982, Eric, his friend Dianne and brother, Frank spent time shopping for the necessary supplies needed for a year long road trip traveling the United States. While waiting for a new van that was ordered for the trip, Frank Jr. was tragically killed at the age of 21 in a motorcycle accident. The van came in two weeks later. Eric and his father did not have the heart or the will to hit the road without Frank Jr. In 1983, Eric moved to south Florida and took up employment in the roofing industry. After a couple of years working six and seven days a week on the roofs in the hot Florida sun, he finally decided to go to college and take up a long time interest in art and photography. He graduated from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. Eric Venezia Photograph was started in the late 80's. He was a successful commercial photographer specializing in homes, fashion and landscapes. Eric photographed many beautiful homes and models in the Palm Beach area. His father was known to make the comment "Nice job". He was also in house photographer for the Burt Reynolds Theater in Jupiter, Florida. Eric had a son Christopher F. Venezia born in 1995 and that began Eric's greatest vocation, a father. Eric and Chris were surely two peas in a pod. Over the next twelve years they did everything together. In 2001, Eric and Christopher moved back to Winsted. Christopher started school and Eric became the definitive "Soccer Dad". Eric was there for all the soccer, little league, karate, basketball and any other activity his son was involved in. They had a wonderful father and son relationship that Christopher will surely miss. This bond they had for twelve years will be part of Christopher forever. Christopher now lives in Jupiter, FL in his new home with his mother, stepfather and two younger siblings. In addition to his father and son, Eric is survived by his grandfather, Tom Roberts; uncles, Brier and Bowen Roberts of Winchester Center, his uncle and Godfather, Louis Venezia, Jr., of Winsted, James Venezia of Virginia and Edward Veneprocesszia of New Hampshire. His cousins, Vickie, Kris, Russell, Caren and Sarah, Godmother, Mary Finn. Eric had a life long friend who was like a second father, Stanley Herman of Riverton. Other special people from Eric's extended family are Tom Santoro, uncle and roommate. Oppie Santoro, buddy and lifetime friend, Patty Wood of Jupiter, FL, friend and confidante, Irene Hammond of Scottsdale, AZ, long time friend and classmate. Uncle Jim, thanks for being at Eric's side always helping when needed, Vickie, thanks for being more a sister than a cousin. Special thanks to the lovely ladies that Eric never really knew but maybe God will tell him about. His father called them Eric's Big Four, Betty, Tara, Mary and Elda and PA Jackie. Thank you, Night time nurse Suzie C from Eric's Dad. Funeral services will be held on Friday, 9:30 a.m. from the Maloney Funeral Home 55 Walnut Street, to St. Joseph Church for the funeral liturgy at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph new Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joseph Marcantonio Kidney Center, 780 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT 06790 or to Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour St., Hartford, CT 06102. To leave an online condolence, please visit us on the web at www.maloneyfuneral.com.