Obituary of Michael Ventrone "Mickey"

Michael “Mickey” Ventrone, 87, lived a full and beautiful life. A native of Staten Island, Mickey passed away peacefully at home, just as he had wished, on Saturday, October 12th.

Born during the Great Depression to Michael and Louise Ventrone on November 23rd, 1936, Mickey demonstrated an admirable work ethic from a young age. He carried groceries for elderly neighbors, collected coal to heat his home, and stacked pins at the local bowling alley. With his uncanny ability to remember numbers, he could recall the exact tips he earned from these odd-jobs decades later, much to the delight of his grandchildren. 

This drive continued into his adult life. After graduating from high school, Mickey became a barber in Manhattan and eventually owned the shop on Forest Avenue, where his career began! Over the years, he operated various small businesses – where his sons recall his natural leadership qualities as a boss. However, Mickey’s business mindset was also rooted in his desire to be a provider to his family. He often mentioned that his sons always had leather shoes for school and full Christmas morning stockings and that his wife could indulge in the latest fashions.

No tribute to Mickey would be complete without mentioning the love of his life, his wife Ellen. Their marriage, a true partnership, lasted over 60 years. Even in their later years, Mickey affectionately referred to Ellen as “his bride.” Together, they visited every U.S. state and traveled extensively throughout Europe, cherishing their weekly date nights that evolved from teenage dances to dinners with lifelong friends. While Mickey was a firm man, he had a tender side reserved for his “little tomato,” even learning to help Ellen with her makeup in her later years. Their bond is a testament to love that transcends time; souls like theirs are not easily untangled.

Mickey is survived by his loving wife Ellen, his beloved sons and their families: Michael, Steven (Jacqueline), and Thomas (Mary); his six grandchildren Nicole, Amanda, Steven, Thomas, Jillian and Julia; his cherished sister Rosemarie; and a niece and numerous nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Michael; his adored mother Louise; brothers-in-law George, Robert, and Benny; sister-in-law Sharon; and daughter-in-law Mary-Anne.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mickey’s life at Matthew Funeral Home & Cremation Service on Friday, October 18th, from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. A funeral mass will follow on Saturday, October 19th, at St. Christopher Church at 10:30 am in the Grant City section of Staten Island.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare - https://www.sicawsaves.org/donate, a cause close to Mickey’s heart.