Edward Venanzi

Edward M. Venanzi, 94, of Bethlehem, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Born on January 7, 1931, in Wilkes Barre, he was the son of the late William and Mamie (Bosi) Venanzi.

Ed was known as a hardworking blue-collar man. He spent much of his career as a metal lather at Duggan & Marcon Company, where he honed his skills as a master carpenter. After many years of dedicated service, he retired at the age of 62, cherishing every moment of his well-deserved time off. He loved traveling to Clearwater Beach, Florida, to cheer on the Philadelphia Phillies, a tradition he maintained for over 30 years.

Ed was a man of many talents. He took great pride in the construction work he did for his family and friends, helping to build or remodel nearly all of his relatives' homes. Notably, he contributed to the construction of the Martin Tower and the Bethlehem Public Library.

Family was everything to Ed. He was actively involved in his daughter and grandchildren's lives, always present for milestones and family gatherings. He loved spending time fishing on Beltzville Lake and Nockamixon, creating cherished memories on his fishing boat. In addition to his love for the outdoors, Ed had a passion for music, with a particular fondness for opera, often playing the powerful voices of Pavarotti, Mario Lanza, and Shirley Bassey.

Ed will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 73 years, JoAnn (D'Angelo) Venanzi; daughter, Christine Tarkoff and her husband, Bruce; two grandchildren, Michael Tarkoff and Nicole McMahon; and two great grandchildren, Atlas Tarkoff and Chase McMahon and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ed is preceded in death by his three siblings, Anne Kocher, Amelia Rostkowski, and William Venanzi.

A viewing for family and friends will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, from 10-11:00 a.m. at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will conclude services at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Ed's family requests to make a donation to a charity of your choice in memory of Edward.

Online condolences may be offered at connellfuneral.com.