Obituary of John Ventura

John Ventura, long-time resident of Kingston MA, recently of Groton MA, on April 22, at the age of 86. Beloved father of Alan and his wife Suzanne of West Townsend, MA; Andrew and his wife Nancy of Kasson, MN; Brian and his wife Rebecca of Farmington Hills, MI; Julie and her husband Vic Gobbell of Cullman, AL; and Daniel of Tampa, FL; and seven grandchildren, Karen (Lavigne) Gill, Lauren and Thomas Ventura, Elise and Sarah Ventura, Jillian Ventura, and Joanna Gobbell. John was born June 23, 1923 in North Plymouth to August and Katerina (Feliciano), who immigrated to America from Portugal. He graduated from Kingston High School and attended American International College before joining the US Army in 1944. He served in "B" Company of the 150th Engineer Combat Battalion of General Patton's 3rd Army, attained the rank of Staff Sgt., and earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. In addition to being a successful small business owner, he worked for Pastene Wines, Inc. for 25 years and became a respected wine expert in Southeast Massachusetts. A passionate lover of music, especially opera, John was also an avid naturalist and member of the Appalachian Mountain Club's 4000 foot hiker's club. For many years he was active in his community and a member of St. Joseph's Parish. Visiting hours at Shepherd’s Funeral Home at 216 Main Street in Kingston on Sunday, May 2 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.; Funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Parish, 272 Main Street, Kingston on Monday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m, followed by burial at National Cemetery in Bourne. Friends and relatives invited. Donations may be made in John's name to: Jones River Watershed Assoc, 55 Landing Road (Mail: P.O. Box 73) Kingston, MA 02364 www.jonesriver.org