Nicholas Ventura, 99, of Largo, FL passed away peacefully on Sunday June 13th, 2021 at Carrington Place in St. Petersburg, FL. Nicholas was born February 11, 1922 in Kansas City, KS, the son of Giuseppe and Francesca Billaci Ventura.
On April 16, 1942 he married his lovely wife Katherine Lenora Beery. They were married for 59 years until she entered her eternal rest on April 21, 2001.
Nick Ventura was drafted into the US Army in September of 1942 and was assigned to the 96th Infantry Division Medical Corps. On September 20, 1944 he was involved in the initial invasion of the Phillippines at Leyte. He then landed in the invasion of Okinawa on April 1, 1945. Soon after, he was in a cave where they (his corpsmen) had set up an aid station when it was hit by a Japanese mortar shell that collapsed the cave. They were buried for 4 hours before being dug out. 10 of the 23 men in the cave were killed instantly with others dying later. Only 9 men survived.
Nick received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star award for valor in helping those men survive. After the attack he was flown to Guam to be treated for his injuries and later to Texas where he received his honorable discharge in 1945.
Nicholas was preceded in death by his wife Katherine; his parents Giuseppe and Francesca; his twin sister Virginia (Ventura) Hernandez; sisters Angeline, Josephine, Lucille, Margaret; brother Joseph and daughter Frances Louise Ventura. He leaves behind 5 daughters Shirley List, Barbara McWhirter, Mary Allen, Veronica Krull, and Michelle Mulnix along with several grands, great-grands and great-great grands.
There are hours, days, weeks, even months and years of stories to tell about his man’s amazing life. His family celebrates him everyday and we’re all so very proud of his military contributions along with his career in building and architecture thereafter.
Mr. Ventura will have ceremonies hosted at Larkin & Garcia Funeral Home in Kansas City, Kansas on June 28th and 29th. He will be laid to rest, and reunited with his late wife, with full military honors at Leavenworth National Cemetery.
VeteransFuneralCare.com
LarkinGarcia.com
Nick, I only had the pleasure to know you for a short time!! You touched my soul and my heart instantly and your military service was beyond exemplary. I know your are no longer with us but you will always be in my thoughts. Fly high now my friend!! Kim
RIP,
Amazing solder that served beyond the call of duty!
The greatest generation for sure!
Thank you for your exceptional service during the war.
We also thank you for your devotion to your lovely wife!
You my sir are the American standard of how to live ones life!
Again thank you for your gallantry service to our country.
To you Sir. my most sincere appreciation for your service. As one who lived through that war I know the sacrifices our soldiers, sailors and all military men made to keep this country free. My condolences to your family and may they rest in the knowledge that you are now safe and peaceful in the hands of Jesus.
Nick was a very endearing man. I had the honor to know him when his devoted daughter, Mary brought him to Sun Coast Ballroom. I loved to listen to his experiences during WWII and he loved to discuss the Vietnam War with me also. My deepest condolences to the family.
Heaven just gained a true hero.
RIP,Nick.
Michaela
May the Lord Bless You and Keep You Forever in his arms.
Love your daughter. Veronica Ventura (Krull)