John Ventrella Obituary

Ventrella, John M.

John M. Ventrella, age 85, a former resident of Melrose Park, Elmwood Park, and Berkeley passed away October 15, 2021. From an early age, John was full of many talents. He was a three-sport athlete at Proviso High School competing in wrestling, football, and was part of Proviso's championship baseball team in 1955. He was a boxer in the Catholic Youth Organization, a member of the Army baseball team in the Texas League during his time serving in the U.S. 5th Army Co. B 1st Battalion. He was a championship winning coach in Little League youth baseball. He also served as commissioner for Berkeley Senior League Baseball. John was a regular bowler in area leagues, loved the outdoors and golfed, hunted, fished and tended the family garden. He was an avid history buff and was a voracious reader of European and American history. In his youth, he formed a jazz trio playing guitar in Melrose Park with instrumentalist and best friend Aldeno "Dino" Cerqua. He was indeed the man you invited to your BBQ, card game or party to ensure it would be a joyful success. John was a founding member of the Jester's Athletic Club in Melrose Park and was a proud member of Teamsters Local 705 and was a member of the American Legion. He was the beloved husband of Eda for 59 years; loving father of Joanne Ventrella, James N. Ventrella and Jacqueline (Kevin) Browne; brother of Lucille (Salvatore) Lembo, and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation from 3-7 PM on Sunday, October 24, 2021, at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst. Funeral Mass at 10:00AM on Monday, October 25, 2021 at St. Domitilla Catholic Church, 4940 Washington St., Hillside. Interment private. Info – 630-834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.

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