Venera R. Speranzo, 89

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Venera R. Speranzo, 89, of 193 Elberon Avenue, Pittsfield, passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, at Craneville Place of Dalton surrounded by her loving family. 

Born in Pittsfield on May 3, 1927, the daughter of Giacomo and Lillian Martini Fazio, she was educated in Pittsfield schools and was a 1945 graduate of Pittsfield High School. Venera was a longtime secretary; she worked up until the age of 84. She spent 37 years at O'Connell Oil, 20 years at New England Furniture and 5 years at General Electric. 

She was a communicant of the former Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church; after its closing she attended St. Joseph's Church. Venera's greatest joy was her family; she lived for her family and enjoyed taking care of them. She also enjoyed cooking, especially Italian food, bowling, and going to the racetrack and watching the horses. She loved to dance, spend time with her grandchildren and write poetry. 

Venera married Stephen J. Speranzo on June 21, 1949; he died on July 15, 1993. 

She leaves her daughter, Maryann Speranzo O'Keefe and her husband Tim of Pittsfield; a son, James S. Speranzo and his wife Bonnie of Pittsfield; four grandchildren, Timothy O'Keefe and his fiancé Daralyn Klemansky of Pittsfield, Lacie Mackey and her husband Caleb of Pittsfield, Christopher Smith of Arizona and Monica Anderson of Pittsfield; one great-granddaughter, Kyla Rose O'Keefe; a brother, James Fazio and his wife Marie of Florida; a sister-in-law, Frances Fazio of Pittsfield; many loving nieces, nephews and cousins; and Michelle Pellograsso and her three children. 

Venera was predeceased by her brother Francis Fazio and her sister Rosemary Sarocco. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Craneville Place of Dalton for their loving and compassionate care of Venera during her time there. 

Funeral notice: Funeral Services for Venera R. Speranzo who died November 2, 2016, will be Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, beginning at 10 a.m. celebrated by the Rev. Monsignor Michael A. Shershanovich, pastor of St. Joseph's Church. Calling hours will be held Monday evening, November 7, 2016, from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Church Food Pantry in care of the funeral home.