Obituary of Daniel A. Venturato

Daniel A. Venturato, 97, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, May 1, 2022 at Centre Care in Bellefonte. Daniel was born on February 13, 1925 in Altoona; the son of the late Joseph G. Venturato and Teresa M. Varlotta.

Daniel's first wife Ruby Marie Venturato died on May 30, 1991. His second wife, Pauline L. Lomax, also preceded him in death on April 26, 2022; as did four of his and Ruby's five children: Dana-Marie, Mary, Marie, and Anthony Venturato. He is survived by his son Joseph G. Venturato and his wife Elizabeth Mackie Venturato of Connecticut; three grandchildren, Emily J. Venturato, Erin M. Venturato and her husband Andrew Gomez, and Peter A. Venturato and his wife Kendall; three great grandchildren, Adric, Ana, and Imogen Gomez, and a fourth great grandchild who is on the way. Also surviving are his step-children, John Lomax and his wife Sonia, Ronald Lomax, Tina Shirk and her husband Sam, Michael Lomax and his wife Susan, and Julia Keibler and her husband Gary. He is also survived by ten step-grandchildren, three step- great grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.

Daniel was the last of his generation and was preceded in death by his siblings, Rose Bongornio (Jim), Lucy Sprouse (Sam), Helen Pescatore (Charles), Angela Cataldo (Armond), Geraldino, and Carl R. Venturato (Edith).

Daniel was called into the service, Navy, during WW2 in April of 1943. He graduated early after completing all his required training, and served aboard the USS Okaloosa, APA 219 (an attack transport). He, among many, participated in the Okinawa Campaign; transported Marines and Army troops to many Pacific Islands, the Philippines, China, and French Indochina. Daniel's ship also transported the first occupation troops to land in Japan and Korea. He received many awards and medals, including a Bronze Star and the Asian-Pacific Victory Medal. Daniel was recalled to the Navy during the Korean War and served aboard the USS Rehoboth AGS 50.

Daniel attended Zeth College in the late 1940's, and then enrolled at Penn State, first graduating in 1955 with a bachelor's degree, and then returning in 1957 and 1958 for his graduate studies. During his undergraduate days, Daniel was initiated into Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity. He was a member of the State College American Legion, State College Elks, and charter member of the Management Accountants Association. Daniel was one of the founders of LOCUS Inc. (a High-Tech company that was sold to Kaman Aerospace) and retired from there on August 1, 1988 as Vice President of Finance. Daniel was also employed at HRB Singer for 11 years as the Controller.

One of the true joys and pleasures of his life was playing the clarinet with the Little German Band of State College for nearly 50 years. They entertained many groups in the Centre Region, including the President of the United States.

Visitation will be 10:30-11:30 am on Friday, May 13, 2022 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College. Memorial service will follow at 11:30 am, with Father George Jakopac officiating.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to either: the Ruby S. Venturato Scholarship Fund at the Pennsylvania State University; OLV at 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, PA 16801 or to the local YMCA at https://www.ymcaofcentrecounty.org/support/donate/.