Nancy Pauline Venuto
Nancy Venuto, a gracious woman and beloved mother of Paula Leuschen of Parkman, Wyoming, and Lauren Davies of Sanibel, Florida, passed away peacefully in her home on December 1st at the age of 98. Nancy is also survived by two grandchildren, Allen L. Davies(Sarah) and Samantha Davies Ramger(Ben), and her great-grandson, Llewellyn Davies-Paul.
Nancy was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Charles and Pauline Ruggiero, the eldest of five siblings, with two sisters, Joy and Mellarie and two brothers, Robert and Joseph. The values and traditions of a large, social, and loving family were defining elements of Nancy’s life and formed the foundation of the legacy she leaves to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. Nancy loved people, and people adored Nancy. She traveled extensively throughout her life and lived abroad, making friends wherever she went and entertaining often. A woman of deep faith, Nancy derived great joy from her community of fellow Catholics.
Nancy was married to Joseph Venuto for 74 years. They first met on a double date – each with other partners – and from that moment on, their lives were entwined. Their life together was filled with joy, laughter, adventure, challenges, and many accomplishments; but above all, it was grounded in love and respect. They were truly an unbeatable team. Joseph preceded her in death, passing away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 99.
Nancy balanced the roles of wife and mother with a distinguished career in education and administration. She earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York and later pursued graduate studies in education, earning a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California. She taught and worked as a consultant within the Los Angeles public education system. Later, when her family moved first to Europe and then back to the East Coast, Nancy held management positions at Longwood Gardens and the Hagley Museum in northern Delaware.
Nancy Venuto was an exemplar of intelligence, style, and graciousness. Her engaging personality and her devotion to faith and family will be deeply missed yet lovingly preserved in the memories of all who knew this extraordinary woman.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 9th, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Chapel at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Iona. Interment to follow in the Memorial Garden.