Peter A. Ventresca, of Winthrop, passed away at the Lighthouse Nursing Care Facility on April 20, 2017. He was 87 years old. His sister, Armida (Amy) Ventresca Miller, several long-time friends, and a faithful relative were with him when he died. For the past nine years, he has lived in Winthrop with his younger sister and her husband. He enjoyed being a member of the Senior Center in Winthrop.
Born in Italy, he and his parents, Mario and Anna Ventresca, emigrated to Boston when he was very young. They were proud to become USA Citizens. His parents are long deceased. Mr. Ventresca attended all American schools and attended Northeastern University for several Certifications in several specialized areas. He was a Construction Worker Engineer, and was a member of the Local Four Union until his death. He is survived by his sister Armida Ventresca Miller and her husband Paul Miller of Winthrop. He is also is survived by an Aunt in Boston and an Aunt in Italy, including younger cousins in Boston, the surrounding area and Italy.
He was the beloved husband of Anne P. Sears, of Boston, for 55 years; they made their home in Melrose and Randolph. His wife passed away on February 14, 2007, and he has lived in Winthrop ever since. He enjoyed a good life with family in Winthrop, and was cared for.
Mr. Ventresca became very interested in the Martial Art style of Shoto-Kan Karate. He traveled to Japan to receive his 5th Degree Black Belt from the Buddhist Monks in Japan. This belt is only given in Japan by the Monks who practice this pure form of Karate. He wrote an introductory illustrated book on this style of Karate, while he was a 3rd Degree Belt holder, which presented this style of Karate in a simplified manner. It led the beginner towards becoming a First Degree Black Belt owner. He became an instructor in this style of Karate, and later organized the Shoto-Kan Association of Massachusetts. He loved instructing children, and was an extremely patient teacher. He made sure to teach them: "Because you know it, you don't use it." He did not tolerate bullies. The book was a success with Shoto-Kan followers, and was published in 1970 by The Charles E. Tuttle Company. At the time, he was a popular lecturer at universities and other organizations, since this was considered a very pure style of Japanese Karate. It is still practiced by the Japanese Buddhist Monks. Shoto-Kan means 'The Beginning of Knowledge.'
The Funeral Mass is scheduled at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 27th at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 320 Winthrop Street, Winthrop, MA. At 9:30 am. there will be a guest reception, with Registration Book at the back of the church prior to the Mass. Peter's family members will be there. His casket will be held at the back of the church, until it's time for the Mass at 10:00 a.m. He did not want an elaborate funeral, and stressed the Mass. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Heart Association. His burial will be at The Blue Hills Cemetery in Braintree, MA. His luncheon reception will be on the South Shore, after the burial, and the convenient location will be announced. Funeral arrangements are by The Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home Inc. 210 Winthrop St. Winthrop, MA 02152. For guestbook, please visit: www.mauricekirbyfh.com.