Michael Venditto

Michael A. Venditto, 79, of New Castle passed away Wednesday evening at Jameson Memorial Hospital.

Born Nov. 7, 1935, in New Castle, he was the son of the late Angelo T. (Andy) and Philomena R. DiMuccio Venditto.

Surviving him at home is his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, the former Kathryn LaScola, who he married Sept. 3, 1960.

After more than 40 years of working, Michael retired as the director of the Crisis Services Department for Irene Stacy Community Mental Health Center in Butler. He began his career as the director of counseling for George Junior Republic in Grove City. He earned a bachelors of art degree in psychology and sociology from Youngstown State University and a master's degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh.

He also served his country as a supervisor in the Transportation Corps. for the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

An avid University of Pittsburgh sports fan, Michael enjoyed fishing, golf and gardening. Michael's greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Michael is survived by his children, Michael J. Venditto and his wife, Lisa, of Glen Burnie, Md., Patricia A. Denko and her husband, Timothy, of Pittsburgh, Robert A. Venditto of Butler and Karen M. Venditto and her companion, Brad Stutz, of Butler; grandchildren Michele Venditto-Hendrickson, Madeleine Denko, Charles Denko, and Matthew Stutz; one great-grandchild, Joel Hendrickson; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Angeline (Julie) Venditto, Helen Miscimarra, Madeline Morar and Patricia Venditto.

VENDITTO — Visitation for Michael A. Venditto, who died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014, will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory, 3000 Wilmington Road, New Castle.Services will be at 10 a.m. Sunday at the funeral home. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will conduct military rites at the funeral home on Sunday morning. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery.The family asks that memorial contributions take the form of donations to Solid Rock Ministries, 303 Pearson St., New Castle, PA 16101 or to the American Cancer Society, 3208 Wilmington Road, New Castle, PA 16105.Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.decarbofuneralhome.com.