Albert Michael Ventrudo
January 12,1927 – November 1, 2016
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Bert Ventrudo on November 1st, 2016, in his 89th year. He was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Bert will be lovingly missed by his devoted wife of 67 years, Wilma; son Ronald (Sheri), daughter-in-law Debbie Ventrudo, grandchildren Pamela (Ryan) Remenda, Suzanne (Nick) Nisula; three great grandchildren, Isabella Logozzo Alex Remenda, and Luke Nisula. Bert is survived by his brother Jerry (Susan) Ventrudo, sister-in-law Mimi Ventrudo, and special friend and sister-in-law Joyce Ventrudo and her children, niece Jill (Dan) Zachary and nephew Dan (Sharon) Ventrudo.
He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins both here and in Italy.
He was predeceased by beloved son David Ventrudo, his parents Frank and Maria (Grasso) Ventrudo, brothers Daniel Ventrudo and Eugene Ventrudo.
Bert was born in Fort William and in 1949 he married his sweetheart, Wilma McIlwain. They moved into their Victoria Avenue home where the family resided for the next 67 years and was the site of many memorable family gatherings.
Big family spaghetti suppers, were Bert’s favorite part of the week. There were also many happy times with family and friends at the camp at Green Point, and more recently at the cottage at Cloud Bay. Bert’s love of travel took him on adventures both near and far. His idea of an outing could be as simple as a car ride to Duluth, or jetting off to tropical locales. Bert counted Hawaii as one of his favorite places in the world, touching down there five times.
Bert spent his youth apprenticing in the family business, Consumers Foodland.
He was well known for his impeccable service and the friendly, respectful way he connected with each customer. When the family store closed, Bert was invited to join the staff of the Airlane Motor Hotel as the Front Desk Manager. His kindness and exceptional attention to detail earned him the name “Mr. Hospitality” for the duration of his working career.
The values Bert demonstrated to his family were also reflected in his contribution to others. He did not slow down in his retirement, instead shifting his focus to full time community service. He was a member of the Rotary Organization for half a century, first with the Fort William Club, where he was instrumental in developing the Rotary House Lottery, the Christmas Carol Sing and the Rotary Christmas Parade. In 1989 Bert served as the Club President and truly lived by the motto “Service Above Self”.
For the past several years he was a proud member of the Port Arthur Rotary Club whose members warmly welcomed him at their weekly meetings. Bert was also a long time member of the Association of Canadian Travellers (A.C.T) and was always quick to lend a hand, be it parking cars at the C.L.E. or helping to organize Christmas parties for the members and their families. He also was instrumental in starting the local chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and was an active volunteer for many years.
Bert will continue to be a source of inspiration for us all. Loveable, likeable, selfless and kind...a generous man with a quick wit who will always be remembered for his love of life and his willingness to lend a hand. He inspired our family and those fortunate enough to know him to be the best that they can be.
A memorial service for Bert Ventrudo will take place on Tuesday November 8th at 10:00 a.m. at First-Wesley United Church (130 North Brodie Street) led by Minister Hewitt T. Holmes. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial donations to the Northern Cancer Fund, the Multiple Sclerosis Society or Thunder Bay Rotary would be greatly appreciated.
“Service Above Self”
Bert Ventrudo will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 11, 2017.
