John A. Venuti "the Bear", 73, of Loxahatchee, FL, passed away on Saturday, March 20, 2010. Born in Geneva, NY, he was the son of the late Joseph A. and Mary J. (Schibley) Venuti. After high school, John joined the US Army and was discharged honorably after 3 years before continuing service to Our Country for 20 years with the New York State National Guard, where he retired as a Sergeant. In pursuit of his life long passion for the general contracting industry, John worked for the NY State DOT, Warren Bros. Construction, Frank DiMino Construction and Sealand Contractors Corp. In the early 80's, John moved to Florida to pursue his dream and began his own construction firm, Underground Industries Inc. He proudly served as past president and served many years on the board of directors for the Underground Contractors Assoc. of South Florida, and was a member of Underground Utility Contractors of Florida and National Underground Contractors Assoc. John received many awards and recognitions for his contributions to the utility construction industry. John enjoyed spending time with countless friends and family, deep sea fishing, deer hunting and NASCAR Racing. He traveled around the world but he was most relaxed at his Hillside Hunting Camp in Upstate New York. In the NASCAR community, the Bear was well respected and was always welcomed at all events. John's memory will be cherished by his children, Carla (Bernie) Vito, Karen (Jack) DiCampli and Johnna (Tim) Venuti-Piggee; brother, Joseph P. (Marlene) Venuti; grandchildren, Alicia, Bianca, John Jr, Mary, T.J. and Jayson; nephews, Joseph M. (Pamela) Venuti and Mark S. (Brandy) Venuti ; niece, Jennifer (Ken) Harris; loving companion, Diane Corbin. He will be greatly missed by numerous family members and endless friends. A visitation will be held 1-3 PM on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at Palms West Funeral Home, Royal Palm Beach, FL, with a family service beginning at 2:30 PM. In New York, visitation will be held 4-7 PM on Friday, March 26, 2010 at DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home in Geneva, NY. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held 9:30 on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Geneva, NY with burial to follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Geneva, NY. His overwhelming generosity, heart of gold and magnetic personality touched many. John will be sadly missed forever.
