We sadly announce the passing of Mario Venerus on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016.
Born in Cordenons, Italy to Teresa and Cesare Venerus, he immigrated to Canada on Feb. 5, 1955, making the journey on a ship called the Homeric to Halifax, N.S. and then travelled by train to settle at McKenzie Island, Ont.
From there, his family moved to Cochenour, Ont., where he attended public school and Red Lake High School. He was involved in many sports, including football, baseball, hockey, and curling.
Mario also was part of a band, where they played many out-of-town teen dances.
Prior to moving to Fort Frances, Ont., Mario worked at Dickinson, Cochenour, and Bruce Lake Mines. He then was employed with Abitibi as a welder until he retired in 2004.
Mario and Marilyn established Mario’s Jewellers in 1994 running it until 2013.
From then, he devoted himself and time as owner of K&M Trucking until he became ill.
Mario’s goal always was to work hard and to be successful to provide a better life for his family.
He was predeceased by his parents, Cesare and Teresa Venerus; brother, Novelli; and brothers-in-law, Leonard Tomczak and Glen Bergner.
He was married to Marilyn (Shortreed) on Aug. 3, 1968, who survives with their two daughters, Shannon (Marc) Brown and Melisa (Tylar) Wilson; grandchildren, Cody and Carter Brown, and Libby Wilson (Matthew Moe); and great-granddaughter, Bristol Moen.
He also is survived by his brothers, Terry (Larry) of Hamilton, Ont., Dino (Carla) of Scarborough, Ont., and George of Burlington, Ont.; sisters-in-law, Darlene Tomczak and Gloria Bergner; brother-in-law, Randy (Sue) Shortreed; special cousin, Ray Venerus of Fort Frances, Ont; his godfather, Antonio Venerus of Italy, and special aunt, Maria of Windsor, Ont., who is 104 years old; along with many other cousins, nieces, and nephews who reside in Canada and Italy.
A memorial mass will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, Ont., with Fr. Alan Albao officiating.
Cremation has taken place, and a private family interment will take place at the JA Mathieu Columbarium.
The pallbearers will be Mark Paldio, Ruffus Kennedy, Owen Ross, Glenn Witherspoon, Ray Venerus, and Wayne Sabanski.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Fort Frances Community Chest, 700 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2C8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
MARIO VENERUS
