Joseph Veneziano Sr., 93 of Drifting went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. Born May 3, 1919, in Clarence, he was the son of Rosario and Mary (Yatchik) Veneziano.
On June 28, 1947, he wed Leona Folmar. They celebrated 61 years of marriage together before her death in October of 2008.
He’s survived by nine children, Rosemary Berenty and her husband, Samuel of Howard; Lyn Fry of Lake Stevens, WA; Joseph and his wife, Tammy and Richard and his wife, Sue, all of Drifting; Barbara Hohn and her husband, Bob and Catherine Gray and her husband, Scott, all of Bellefonte; Deborah Saggese and her husband, Charles of Lanse; Lisa Owens and her husband, Jay of Fenton, MI; and Karen Ralston and her husband, John of Concord, OH. His children blessed him with 10 granddaughters, 10 grandsons and nine great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are a brother, Dominic of Wyoming and sisters, Frances Herbein of Alabama, Martha Knepper of Ohio and Dorothy Veneziano and Betty Borres, both of Pittsburgh.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Renzo, Anna Veneziano, Elizabeth Fornicola and Sophie Crestani and brothers, Paul, Rosario and John and son-in-law, Aaron Dale Fry.
Mr. Veneziano was a longtime and faithful member of St. Severin Catholic Church in Drifting, supporting the church in many ways. He was a proud World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946. He earned several decorations, including a bronze star.
A man of many talents, he began work as a coal miner and was a farmer, bus driver, carpenter, plumber, stone mason and later a professional electrician for many years. He never hesitated to offer his time and talents to help others.
His greatest accomplishments were the love for his nine children, and the guidance and support he gave to his large family. His strength, good nature and faith were an inspiration and sustained him through a long battle with heart and lung disease. He will be greatly missed.
A viewing will be held from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday at the St. Severin Catholic Church in Drifting for the immediate family.
A second viewing will be held from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday at the church for family and friends.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at the St. Severin Catholic Church with Fr. David Perry as celebrant. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Severin Catholic Church, P.O. Box 159, Frenchville, PA 16836 or to Hospice at Home Nursing Agency, 450 Windmere Dr., State College, PA 16801.