Anthony L. Vennera

Anthony Lewis Vennera, age 72, of Middleville, passed away peacefully on Monday Afternoon June 24, 2024 in his home, with the comfort of his loving family by his side.
Tony (Anthony) was born June 19, 1952 in Herkimer, a son of the late Frank P. and Victoria Guido Vennera. He was raised and educated in Herkimer graduating from Herkimer High School with the Class of 1971. Throughout his life, he owned and operated Anthony's Restaurant of Ilion, he was co-owner of Jill Rae Signs for over twenty years, and went on to become the Executive Director of The New York International Wine Auction and Special Events Coordinator with Herkimer ARC for close to twenty years. After his retirement he became the Director of Development with Mohawk Valley Ambulance Corps.
Tony was passionate about everything he loved. Some of which included, cooking, history, antiquing, cigars and fine wines. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed boating, fishing, bow hunting and camping.
Tony was a renowned and incredibly talented musician throughout the Northeast for over fifty years. He entertained many as a keyboard player in several bands throughout his life, but most recently with One Sweet Ride. He served his community through many civic organizations, most notably with the Herkimer Rotary Club for over thirty years, receiving the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. His greatest enjoyment of all was spending time with his family and close friends, especially with his daughters and granddaughters.
Tony was the focal point in any room he entered. He had a larger than life personality and loved to share it with everyone. He was truly a friend to many and will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his two daughters; Angela Simmons and her husband Jason of Frankfort, Jillane Dunleavy and her husband Patrick of Saratoga Springs, a sister Maria Fiorentino and partner Fran Baggetta of Herkimer, two granddaughters; Ivory Rosemyer and Vega Rosemyer, his nephew Robert Fiorentino, his niece Nicole Vennera and her husband Jason Parkin and many cousins and great friends, as well as his former spouses, Paula (Conigilaro) Vennera and Jill Rae (Hulten) Vennera.
He was predeceased by his brother Francis "Chick" Vennera and step-mother Victoria (Costanza) Vennera.
Calling hours for Mr. Vennera will be Thursday July 18th from 4:00-6:00pm in Fenner Funeral Home Inc. 115 Court Street, Herkimer. A celebration of life will be held on Friday July 19th at 5:00pm at the VFW Post 4914, 131 Mohawk Street, Herkimer.
The family kindly asks in lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Tony's memory to the Mohawk Valley Ambulance Corp, 15 State Route 5S, Mohawk, New York 13407.