John Joseph Ventosa

John Joseph Ventosa--talented engineer, unwavering optimist, and patriarch to the Ventosa family--died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 6th in Saratoga Springs, NY. He was 98. 

Born August 21, 1923 to Josephine and John B. Ventosa in Manhattan, NY.  John attended St. Peter’s High School, Staten Island, and received his degree in engineering from Manhattan College. John was a loving son to his parents, “Mom and Pop,” and a devoted brother to his sister, Marion, whom he cared for until her death in December 2020.

A veteran of the US Army, John served in the South Pacific in World War II. It was through an army friend, Richard Chisholm, that he met his wife, Claire (Richard’s sister). John and Claire were married in 1959. Together they built a life on Staten Island, having five children and instilling in them the virtues they held dear: love of family, caregiving, kindness, and generosity. When their eldest daughter died, they adopted their granddaughter, Melissa, as their own. John and Claire welcomed everyone, filling their home with family and friends and caring for cousins and siblings.

John had a long career in electrical engineering and retired from Westvaco Paper Company in 1987. His engineering skills often transferred to his home life, where he instilled a sense of ingenuity and curiosity in his children and grandchildren. A creative problem-solver, he was often found tinkering in his basement workroom.

Outside the home, John was always moving. He loved the outdoors, especially Sacandaga Lake, where he kept vacation cabins for the entire extended family. John loved boating, hiking, golfing, and skiing. Undeterred by old age, he continued these activities into his 90s. John and Claire cherished summers on the lake, where they were always surrounded by children, grandchildren, and friends.

A person of great faith and service, John was a parishioner of St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Northville, volunteer for City Meals on Wheels and supporter of his favorite charities.

John left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Friends and neighbors remarked on his easy and enthusiastic way with others, greeting everyone with a smile and kind words of encouragement.

John’s joyful and welcoming spirit will be missed by so many, especially his family who adored him. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Claire; daughter, Terese; sister, Marion; and his parents, Josephine and John.

He is survived by his children, John (Karen), Paul (Christa), Stephen, Ann (Harry Hartman) and Melissa (Walter Martin); grandchildren, John, Kevin, Abigail, Sophia, Patrick, Emma, Dietrich, Caroline, Charlotte and great-grandchildren, Louise, Claire, Lucia and Alessia.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church on Staten Island, NY. Services will be followed by an internment at St. Peters Cemetery. All are welcome.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd, Albany, NY 12205 and/or St. Francis of Assisi, 501 Bridge St. Northville NY 12134.

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