Jean (LaSala) Ventimiglia, 87, of Manchester, died November 11, 2013 at the Courville in Manchester.
She was born in Brooklyn, NY on December 17, 1925 to Baldasar and Giuseppine (Cusumano) LaSala. Jean's academic prowess was evident at an early age. After graduating from high school with honors, she attended Queen's college. Marriage and two children followed. In 1957, Jean and her family moved to Glen Head, NY on Long Island to the house that she always considered home. In the Sixties, with two young children, she went back to college and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from C.W. Post College. Jean's love of English led to a 17 year teaching career at Locust Valley High School in Locust Valley, NY. While teaching and raising a family, she earned her coveted Master's degree in English from Long Island University, Post campus. After retirement, Jean and her husband Anthony moved year round to their summer home in Lincolnville, ME.
As a passionate reader with an appreciation for good literature, Jean not only spent many happy hours with books, but was able to pass that love along to those around her. She was generous in sharing favorite books with friends and family as well as discussing the ideas she came across in her extensive reading. Jean's love of the arts, particularly opera, was just as strong as her love for reading. One of her greatest joys was season tickets to the New York Metropolitan Opera shared with her husband Anthony.
An excellent and knowledgeable cook, even simple foods prepared by Jean were not just meals, but feasts prepared with skill and love. She not only continued the cooking traditions she had learned from her own family, but used her interest and talent to prepare incomparable meals for those who knew and loved her. Her grandchildren, especially, have fond memories of sharing wonderful meals with a loving grandmother who gladly took the time to show them how to prepare family favorites.
Jean also enjoyed traveling and volunteering. Her natural leadership skills and desire to help others was always evident when she joined an organization. Whether it was being a Cub Scout Den Mother or President of the local Women's Club, Jean brought organization, energy, and spirit that were instrumental in that group's success. Jean's warmth, generosity, and thoughtfulness was year round but most evident during birthdays and the holidays. Above all, she taught her children, grandchildren, friends and family alike, how to celebrate life and make the most of their cherished time together.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Nancy Harmon and husband Glendon of Weare, NH; one son, Philip Ventimiglia and wife Julia of Herndon, VA; her grandchildren, Jonathan and Ethan Harmon, Anthony Ventimiglia and Alyssa Elliott; great-grandchildren, Talia and Maximus Harmon; one sister, Angela Towle and husband Raymond of Myers Town, PA She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Anthony Ventimiglia; and her sister Phylis Racz.
Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the NH Alzheimer’s Association, 5 Bedford Farm Drive, Bedford, NH 03110 or to the American Heart Association, 2 Wall Street, Manchester, NH 03101.