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PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Frank Lawrence Venetta, 84, formerly of Niles, peacefully passed away Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at his home, with his daughters by his side.
Frank was born March 16, 1936, in Morgantown, W.Va., to Nicola and Isolina Salucci Venetta. Shortly after, the Venetta family moved to Warren. He was a 1955 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, and following graduation, entered the Army serving in Fort Irwin, Calif. Frank was honorably discharged in 1957.
Frank was a dedicated employee of General Electric in Warren for 39 years, retiring in 1996. Although Frank enjoyed driving truck for GE, his true passion was playing the saxophone and creating beautiful music for others.
Frank began taking clarinet lessons at the age of 11, which led to his love of the saxophone. While in high school, he was a member of the marching band, orchestra and started his own band, which played at sock hops and basketball games. He also played at weddings and picnics with the Ray Olszewski Band and was featured every Sunday on the Warren WHHH polka broadcasting show. While in the Army, his sax career continued as the member of a military jazz band. Frank played in the Bob Delmuti Band, the Eddie Vallus Band for 15 years, the Bill Basilone Band, and his most-loved band, Gloria Jean and Friends. He performed at numerous concerts, weddings and Masses, and recorded polka albums, one of which was nominated for a Grammy in 1990. He also recorded three romantic love song albums with Gloria Jean and Friends, two of which were Grammy nominated. He continued to play during his time in Florida with the Joe Fedorchak Band in Spring Hill and the Eddie Rodick Band in Daytona.
Frank was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, The Penn-Ohio Polka Pals and the American Federation of Musicians Local 118, Warren. Frank also was member of the Pit Band, which performed at the 2008 Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame Awards Show and in 2008 received the Penn-Ohio Polka Pals Side Man of the Year Award.
Frank married his beautiful wife, Joanna "Joanie" May Infante Venetta in 1957, having two daughters, whom he cherished.
Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife; parents; sister, Frances (Guy) Guglielmi of Warren; and his sister, Ann (Robert) Hannuksela of Cortland.
Frank will be deeply missed by his beloved daughters, Lynette Venetta (Joe) Violante and Leanne Venetta (Howard) Klippel; his grandsons he adored, Justin Bloom, Michael Bloom, Lukas Klippel and Jakob Klippel; nieces, Maria (Nickie) Rizer and Tonia Santangelo; nephew, Mark Hannusela; his dear family and friends; and the world of beautiful saxophone music.
A private service will be held for the immediate family only.
Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach assisted the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences maybe shared with the family at www.palmswestfuneralhome.com.
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