Louis J Ventresca

Louis J. Ventresca, 84, of West Boylston, MA and Hallandale Beach, FL passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Lou is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Dolores M. (Longa) Ventresca; three daughters, Donna Beaupre and her husband Bruce of Shrewsbury; Cheryl Galvin and her husband Mark of Peachtree City, GA; and Karen Esteves and her husband Rodger of Shrewsbury; two sisters, Emma Ventresca of Warrington, PA and Elena Ventresca of Boston; seven grandchildren, Brian Beaupre and his wife Meghan, Tara Beaupre, Ryan Galvin, Caitlin Galvin, Michael Galvin, Brianna Esteves and Brandon Esteves; a great grandson, Brett Beaupre; a sister in law, Beverly DeMarco of Worcester; several cherished cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Kathryn Gartsu and a nephew, Robert DeMarco. He was born in Torre dei Nolfi province of L'Aquila Italy, son of the late Croce and Crocefissa (Lostracco) Ventresca and moved here in 1936 where he lived in Worcester for many years. He served proudly in the United States Army. Lou attended the Industrial Technical Institute and classes at Quinsigamond College. He retired as assistant superintendent for the Heald Division of Cinncinati Milacron after 35 years of employment. In his spare time, he applied his talented carpentry free of charge and was everyone's handyman. He enjoyed spending the winter months at his home in Florida where he also worked as a security guard at the Gulf Stream Race Track. Over the years he was a proud member of many organizations including Sons of Italy #168; Knights of Columbus Pope John XXIII Council; Post 3 Veterans Club; East Side Improvement Club; Past president of the Heald Machine Benefit Assoc and chairman of many blood drives. He attained the highest 4th degree honor by the Knights of Columbus and was recognized for "Positive attitude and Spirit of Volunteerism" which exemplified his whole life. Lou was a man everyone loved being around. He was an avid Sox and Pats fan, and enjoyed college sports. He and his father Croce partnered for many years in Bocce Leagues in Worcester. His optimism, sense of humor and generosity was his gift to us. Thank you to the many people at MGH who took care of Lou with much respect and dignity. Special heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Blake 6, the renal transplant team and clinic, and all the doctors and nurses we got to know so well over the years. Calling hours for Louis will be held on Sunday, June 9, from 3pm - 6pm in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester; members of Pope John XXIII K of C will gather at 5 p.m. to honor Lou with their Funeral Ritual. His Funeral will be held on Monday, June 10, from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Saint Ann Church, 24 Mulberry Street, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lou's memory may be made to MGH Transplant Center, c/o MGH Development Office, 165 Cambridge Street, 6th floor, Boston, MA 02114 or the Polycystic Kidney Foundation, P.O. Box 871847, Kansas City, MO 64187-1847