Mr. Felix A. Vennero Sr.

Mr. Felix A. “Phil” Vennero, Sr., age 92, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 27, 2012 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Felix was born in Nicastro, Italy on January 10, 1920, the son of the late Bernardo and Rosa (Folino) Vennero. He was raised and educated in Italy and at the age of 17 he immigrated to the United States via the S.S. Rex Italy and settled in Utica where he has since resided. On November 10, 1941 he married the former Rachel (D’Acunto) Vennero. Until her passing on May 31, 1988, their 46 year union was marked by abiding love, devotion, and commitment to one another and to their family. A member of Greatest Generation, Phil was a proud veteran of the United States Navy where he honorably served his country during World War II. Life was brisk and busy for Phil during his lengthy career as a barber at the Nu Look Barbershop located on Bleecker Street, an establishment which he co-owned and operated with Anthony “Tony” DeFuria. Phil was recognized for his talents by his many patrons over the years, ranging from a classic shave and cutting edge haircut to some friendly conversation. At home, Phil was a wonderful husband and father, and he cherished his role as patriarch of the family. A sportsman and outdoorsman, he was proud to be one of the first soccer players of Italian descent to play for the Colisseum Restaurant soccer club. He also enjoyed bowling and bocce, and at one time, fishing. Naturally, he was an avid Yankees fan. His organizational skills yielded him the position of Past President of the Barber’s Union. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Sons of Italy Lodge #2054. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Phil is survived by generations of posterity including his daughters and sons-in-laws, Roseanne R. DeMetri of Marcy, Phyllis and Michael Fasolo, Sr. of FL, Bernadette and Peter Cappa of Syracuse, Michelle and Scott Springer of Altmar, NY, and Rachel Helmes of Clinton; his sons and daughters-in-law, Bernard “Ben” Sr. and Debbie Vennero of Utica, Felix “Phil” Jr. and Jackie Vennero of Fayettville, NC, and Anthony and Kristen Vennero of Whitesboro. Phil held close to his heart the memory of his infant daughter, Rachel and his son-in-law, Claude DeMetri who preceded him in death in 2006. Also left to mourn his passing are his 25 grandchildren, Amy DeMetri, Theresa and David Chickering, Rachel and Jason Majka, Michael Jr. and Terri Fasolo, Rachel and Michael Rogers, Phil Fasolo, Phyllis and Brian Saville, Marc C. and Joelle Fasolo, Anthony Fasolo and Shawn O’Hara, Renee and Bill Hight, Christopher Tronsden and Angelina Trepasso, Stephanie Anderson and fiancé Justin Coffin, Stephen and Kayla Anderson, Rachel Vennero, Ronnie Helmes, Nicole Marie Vennero, Bernard Vennero Jr. and fiancée Karin Piotrowski, Mandy Scotellaro, Michael Vennero and Megan Risler, Sam Scotellaro, Marcus Vennero, Daniel Vennero, Kristin and David Dinelle, Alaina Vennero, and Becky Vennero; he also cherished the memory of his grandson, Nicholas Helmes; and his great-granddaughters, Emily Rose Majka and Addison Marie Fasolo who preceded him. He also leaves his great-grandchildren, Alex and Andrew Mancino; Christopher Chickering and Ryan Chickering; Isabella Grace Majka; Amanda Fasolo and Michael Fasolo; Matthew and Derek Rogers; Isabella, Dominick, and Benjamin Fasolo; Sean, Samantha, and Sara Saville; Emma Fasolo, Brady Fasolo; Andrea Homer, Jake Homer and Ayden Hight; Alana Tronsden; Brooke Anderson; Breanna Perrotta and Ryan Perrotta; Nicholas, Nathan, and Ashley Vennero; and Isabella Dinelle. His extended family includes his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law Arlene Decondi; and his longtime friend, Tina DeSarro and her family. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Benedict and Bertha A. D’Acunto, Joseph and Frances Dixon, Anthony and Dolly D’Acunto, Joseph and Melvina Rabbia, Dr. Ralph D’Acunto, and Ernest D’Acunto. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Traci Gigliotti and Crystal Naughton, his home caregivers, for their loving attention and compassionate care; the doctors, nurses, and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit; the nurses of 3B; and his granddaughter, “His Angel”, Theresa Chickering, for the loving care and attention she gave to her grandfather. Visitation will be held Friday from 3:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Phil’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by the Rev. Felix Colosimo. Interment will take place graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Felix A. Vennero Sr.

January 10, 1920 - August 27, 2012