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Phyllis Venezia Obituary
ELLICOTTVILLE - Phyllis Drew Venezia, 96, of Ellicottville, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 14, 2023, at her home.
She was born Aug. 25, 1926, to the late William and Elizabeth Freeman Drew, in Throop, Pa. In August of 1959, she married her loving husband, Louis J. Venezia, who passed away in July of 2022.
Phyllis graduated high school and secretarial school in Buffalo. She then worked making World War II parachutes, and later worked as an executive secretary at Dunlop Tire.
For many years, Phyllis was a local restaurateur. She co-owned Club Sheridan with her brothers, and then along with her husband, Lou, owned and operated the Fieldstone and the Hunter's Horn in Lockport. Phyllis and Lou made a complete team: Lou as chef in the kitchen and Phyllis managing the "front of the house."
Phyllis was an active auxiliary member of the Buffalo Chef's Association and member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Ellicottville. She enjoyed volunteer activities and was an active, cheerful participant.
Phyllis loved antiquing and embraced being surrounded by those she loved. Until the very end, her sweet positivity and joy brightened those in her company.
Phyllis leaves behind her children, Drew (Joanne) Venezia of Ellicottville and daughters Camille (Scott) Schaefer of Lockport and Joyce Nelson of Atlanta, Ga. Also, surviving are two grandchildren, Ryan Schaefer and Olivia Venezia; a great-grandchild, Raygen; and several nieces and nephews.
To honor Phyllis and Lou Venezia, a combined memorial service will be held for family and friends at 11:30 a.m. Monday (Aug. 21, 2023) at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 6360 NY-242, Ellicottville. There will be a spaghetti dinner afterward.
To honor Phyllis, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 411 Rock City St. in Little Valley.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Venezia
Sponsored by Mentley Funeral Home - Little Valley.
3 Entries
Christine Ippolito 335 Rainbow Crest Rd. Fallbrook, CA.
September 23, 2023
My name is Christine Ippolito, and I was trained by Phyllis as a waitress, while I attended Starpoint Central high school.
My brother Thomas also had employment, and was the only bus-boy at The Fieldstone.
I was a young naïve girl who was petrified at the adult evening activities. Phyllis saw the fear in my eyes, placed me in a safe central part of the restaurant, and said "don´t move just watch"
I was not of age to deliver cocktails to dinner clientele, did not know a Manhattan from a Gibson Martini, but Phyllis delivered the drinks to my tables.
Phyllis taught me, how to set a table, how to dress, the bar, catering, service with a tray, service by hand, what to say, what not to say, and how to write an order. Because of her, and Lou´s guidance in the kitchen, I was instantly hired at any establishment I applied to.
The words THANK YOU are not large enough for Phyllis and Lou.
My brother Tom lives in Seattle WA and my home is in Fallbrook CA.
Christine Ippolito
September 23, 2023
My name is Christine Ippolito, and I was trained by Phyllis as a waitress, while I attended Starpoint Central high school.
My brother Thomas also had employment, and was the only bus-boy at The Fieldstone.
I was a young naïve girl who was petrified at the adult evening activities. Phyllis saw the fear in my eyes, placed me in a safe central part of the restaurant, and said "don´t move just watch"
I was not of age to deliver cocktails to dinner clientele, did not know a Manhattan from a Gibson Martini, but Phyllis delivered the drinks to my tables.
Phyllis taught me, how to set a table, how to dress, the bar, catering, service with a tray, service by hand, what to say, what not to say, and how to write an order. Because of her, and Lou´s guidance in the kitchen, I was instantly hired at any establishment I applied to.
The words THANK YOU are not large enough for Phyllis and Lou.
My brother Tom lives in Seattle WA and my home is in Fallbrook CA
Dave & Sharon
August 15, 2023
A very loving caring Lady of distinction. She will be missed by many.
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Mentley Funeral Home - Little Valley411 Rock City Street, Little Valley, NY 14755
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