Manuel J. Venancio

Middletown, RI - Manuel J. Venancio, 93, of Paquin Place, Middletown, RI, died Monday, October 20, 2008 at Grand Islander Health Care Center with his daughters by his side. He was the husband of the late Angelina Souza Venancio. Born in Middletown, RI on June 3, 1915, he was the son of the late Joseph and Violet Bettencourt Venancio.Mr. Venancio was a US Arm veteran of WWII. A carpenter by trade, taught as a young man by his father Joseph Venancio, Sr. He started his profession working for the family construction business called Venancio Bros. and then moved on working for various local builders. In 1955 as a young family man he singlehandedly built the home he resided in for 53 years. In his middle to late years he participated in the building of many quality homes on the island. He was one of the finish carpenters who worked on the completion of the Windmill at Hammersmith Farm in 1967. He was a respected craftsman who took great pride in the work he produced. As a retiree he taught himself the art of wood carving creating fine wooden figures. He loved to fish a many of the local fishing holes but Sachuset Point was his favorite. As an avid sports fan, his number one teams were the New England Patriots and the New York Yankees. He was a private person who found comfort in his home, family and the quiet life he valued on Aquidneck Island. He is survived by his daughters, Ann Ritchie and her companion Joseph Flowers of Newport, RI and Irene Ebbitt and her husband Hugh of Middletown, RI; his grandchildren, Melissa Michalski, Michala Ebbitt and Kristina Ebbitt; and his great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Randall, Kirstey Randall and C. J. Michalski. He was pre-deceased by twelve brothers and sisters. His funeral and burial will be private.Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 5-7 pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society of RI, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886.