ONEONTA - Donald James Ventre, Sr. 76 passed away early Monday morning December 13, 2010 at his home in Oneonta surrounded by his loving family.

Donald was born August 13, 1934 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Audrey Louise (Weissenburger) and Joseph J. Ventre. He graduated from Morris High School in 1953 as the Salutatorian of his class.

Donald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1957 and served until May 1960. While in the Marines he served in Okinawa, Japan with Field Artillery Intelligence and in El Toro, California with Air Wing Intelligence. Donald planned to make a career in the Marine Corps, but after serving two and a half years he was given an Honorable Discharge in order to care for his mother after the death of his step-father.

After leaving the Marines and returning to the area Donald worked for 13 years at Molinari's Restaurant, serving as the Assistant Manager and Bartender. Donald went to work for Bresee's Department Store in 1975 and worked there for 19 years. Over the years he was the department manager and senior buyer for the toy department, house wares, gun shop, and later electronics, large appliances and kitchen design. After the closing of Bresee's he went to work at Pickett Building Materials as their Kitchen Designer until he retired in 2000.

Donald married Patricia Ann Bliss on November 10, 1963. He chose this date was because it's the Marine Corps Birthday and that way Donald would never forget their anniversary. They went on to have two children Pamela and Don Jr., who Donald was very proud of.

Donald loved cooking and was renowned for his Italian dishes that were passed down to him from his mother. His specialties included his spaghetti sauce and meatballs, which he was able to make one last time a few weeks before his passing. He inspired this love of cooking in both of his children Pamela and Don Jr. Incorporating food into family celebrations and holidays was so important to Donald that he often created menus ahead of these events.

Donald spent many years working in his garden that he loved. He grew many vegetable, having great success with tomatoes, onions, garlic, cucumbers, zucchini and potatoes. He passed this love of gardening on to his two grandchildren Audree and Robert Frutiger. In Donald's later years Audree took over cultivating of the tomatoes and Robert the production of the potato crop. Donald and his family used all the vegetable from his garden in their cooking and canned and pickled many of them.

Donald was an avid hunter and sportsman. He was a life member of the Oneonta Sportsmen's Club serving as both the club's Vice-President and President. He was also a member of the Oneonta Sportsmen's Club Pistol Team serving as Team Captain for many years. He achieved NRA Expert Qualification and left behind a trophy case full of marksmen awards. Donald was a life member of the National Rifle Association. Throughout his life he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife Patricia; his daughter, Pamela Frutiger of Oneonta; his son, Donald Ventre Jr. of Washington, DC; his son-in-law, Bob Frutiger of Oneonta; his two grandchildren, Audree and Robert Frutiger; a nephew, Michael Smith of Huntington Beach, CA; special relatives, Eugene and Elaine Bliss of Oneonta, George Miller of Oneonta and his beloved cats, Boots and Mittens.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father, Ernest Smith and his brothers, Richard Ventre and Gregory Leeland Smith.

Donald's family would like thank the wonderful nurses, aides, doctors and staff at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown for their excellent and loving care.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, December 18, 2010 from 2 to 4 p.m., with a memorial service and military honors at 4 p.m. at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, Oneonta.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820, the American Lung Association in New York, 155 Washington Ave. Suite 210, Albany, New York 12210, or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, is serving the family.