Fred Ventura

Groton — Fred Ramos Ventura, 92, of Groton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, at home.

He was born on Aug. 20, 1925, in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, Philippines, the son of Leodigario and Rufina Ventura.

Fred served 35 years in the U.S. Navy (1945 to 1972) as a submariner during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam Era. The USS Stonewall Jackson (SSBN 634) was the last vessel served on. He also received several awards and recognitions, the last on Oct. 8, 2008, from the Office of the Secretary of the State of Connecticut — from Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz In Recognition of his public service award as a token of his patriotism and sacrifice during the Second World War.

He met and married Verna Camero Ventura on March 3, 1952. His early Navy career was spent in Hawaii. The family moved to Groton where he settled and retired. He was an avid bowler up to his 90s and was a member of USBC bowling. Fred enjoyed gardening, playing poker cards, karaoke, played the trumpet and the guitar.

He is survived by his wife, Verna Camero Ventura; his children, Fred R. Ventura Jr. (Elizabeth), Yolanda Upholz (John), Rodrick Ventura (Regina), Vernon Ventura (Sue), Robert Ventura (Maggie), James Ventura (Maria), Loreen Panucci (Robert), Daniel Ventura (Tomoko), Clarence Ventura (Karen), Alicia Lundy (John) and Sandra Avery (Larry); 22 grandchildren, Michelle, Jamie Ann, Rodrick Jr., April, Yoshitaka, Steven, Joycelyn, Christina, Seth, Cassandra, Jason, Alicia, Veronica, Renee, Jerilyn, Vincent, James, Nicholas, Robert Jr., David, Jonathan, and Lana; and eight great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Ella Mae, Amiliana, Sophia, Anneilse, Kai, Keanu and Nalani; and his brother, Eduardo Ventura (Norma); and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers, James R. Ventura and Narcisso R. Ventura; and sisters, Leonora V. Doria, Trinidad V. Senis and Domingo R. Ventura.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, at Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton. A calling hour will be held from 9 a.m. until the start of the service. Burial in Connecticut State Veterans’ Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s memory may be made to Center for Hospice Care, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions or to sign the guest book.