Samuel F. Ventura

Mr. Samuel F. Ventura age 90, of Whitesboro passed away peacefully on Friday February 19, 2021 with the love and support of his family. One of six children, he was born on May 25, 1930 in Utica, the son of Ercole and Mary Statti Ventura. At an early age he worked along side his father at the family shoe repair business on Columbia St. He was formerly married to Gwendolyn Lerch Ventura and together they had three children. Sam was a Chief Accountant by trade and was retired from the Nestle Corp.

Sam graduated from TR Proctor High School Class of 1947. He attended Ryder College and upon furthering his education, graduated from Utica College. He was a veteran of the Korean War having proudly served his country from 1951-1953. Sam was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Post # 229. He was also active at Hospice Grievance. Sam enjoyed watching the PGA. He was an avid fan of the NY Yankees, NY Giants, along with all SU sports. Sam’s highlighted passion was following his son Sammy’s PBA50 bowling career. He also enjoyed relaxing while watching the Lawrence Welk Show.

Sam is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Sam Jr. and Tracey Ventura of Norwich; his daughter and son-in-law Sandra and Mitch Ellis; and his youngest daughter Gwendolyn DiFerdinando, both reside in NC; six grandchildren Barbara Lynn, Sam III, Mitchell, Michael, Mark Samuel and Marissa; his sister and brother-in-law Marie and John Scialdone, his brother and sister-in-law Louis and Jeanette Ventura; his sister-in-law Lucille Ventura and his long time caring and loving companion Antoinette (Toni) Garguilo,(with whom he shared a storybook romance) and many loved nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by good friends Joe and Rae Nesci and Lou and Judy Scire. Sam was proud to have been “Best Man” for nine of his pals. He was predeceased by his brothers Rufus and Giovanni and his sister Jean Marie Elliot.

Visiting hours will be Friday from 5-7 pm at The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home Inc. 1122 Culver Ave. Utica.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 12:00 noon in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Genesee St. Utica. All COVID protocols will be required at the funeral home and at church, such as face masks and social distancing. Please arrive to church early to allow for COVID trace signing before mass. Private interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Mass will be livestreamed at youtube/joesalernouticany.