MELROSE — Donato Ventresca Sr., 81, passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, on May 13.
Donato was born in Italy on September 2, 1933 to the late Giovanni & Loreta (Federico) Ventresca. He was raised in Italy and came to America at the age of 19. Mr. Ventresca lived in the North End of Boston for many years before moving Melrose 45 years ago. Donato was the owner of Great Northern Construction Company in Medford, which he ran for over 35 years. He enjoyed taking trips to Aruba, the Caribbean and going down to Foxwoods. Mr. Ventresca liked tending to his garden and tomato plants. He was an avid Larry David fan, loved the Red Sox and enjoyed watching the Patriots.
Donato was the beloved husband of the late Loretta (Federico) Ventresca. He was the devoted father of John Ventresca of Stoneham; Phyllis Johnson and her husband Robert of Hudson, New Hampshire; and Salina Ventresca and Donato Ventresca Jr., both of Melrose. He was the brother of Anna Federico of Medford. He was the grandfather of Robert and Michael Johnson, Deanna Ventresca and John Ventresca Jr.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Sunday May 17. Donato’s funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, on Monday May 18, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St. Melrose. Entombment took place at Holy Cross Mausoleum in Malden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donato’s name to the American Lung Association, 460 Totten Pond Rd. #400, Waltham, MA 02451. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
