Louis James Venezia, Jr.

Louis James Venezia Jr. passed away on April 5, 2023, at Valerie Manor Care Center of natural causes.

He was born in Winsted on October 25, 1935, to Louis and Jeanette (Colavecchio)Venezia. He was husband to Mary Russell (Starks) Venezia who predeceased him in 1997. He leaves behind his brothers, James of Illinois, Frank of Boulder CO, Edward (Ellie) of Westmorland NH,  his children, Victoria (Tim) VanDriessche of Milwaukee WI, Kristina (Mike) Girolamo , Russell(Kathy)Venezia both of Winsted, CT.  He was the beloved “Poppy” to Rileigh(Nick)Wismans, Lily VanDriessche and Chelsie(Nick)Visini.  Great grandfather to Rooney and Landon. and great uncle to Caren, Sarah and Christopher.

Louie lived in Winsted all his life. He attended local schools. Louie  was diagnosed with TB at age 11 and spent four years at the Seaside Sanitarium in New London CT where he graduated the 8th grade. He talked fondly of his time at Seaside , sharing stories of mischief and fun by the sea shore, making many lifelong friends there.

He owned and operated, with his brothers, Apex Vending Machine Co. until its sale in 1989, then became the bartender at the Garibaldi Club on Main Street, until it closed. Later he became a crossing guard for the town.

Louie had a soft spot for all animals, through the years having horses, ponies, cows, goats, dogs, cats and chickens at different times in his life.  His grand dogs loved him. He always had treats in his pocket and was known to get himself in trouble by spoiling them.

Some of Louie’s favorite things were travelling to Minnesota to visit family. He made many friends there who looked forward to his visits. He liked to spend Minnesota Sundays with his friends at the local  racetrack where he taught them all he knew about the ins and outs of betting on the horses. Louie enjoyed going to OTB with his buddies, keeping in touch with Colavecchio cousins and taking rides to find a lobster down at the shore. He was a huge Yankees fan and looked forward to baseball season every year. Dad this season you will have the best seat in the house.

His last year was not his best year, but it was made better by his caregivers especially Claudia, Ashley and Allison. Thank you for making Louie’s days at the home brighter. You are angels on earth.

There will be no services at this time. The family will gather for a burial service sometime in July.