Mario Ventura, age 91, passed away September 11, 2025 at Sunshine Christian Homes in Holiday, Florida.

He was born February 25, 1934, a son of the late Joseph and Josephine Ventura of Corona, NY.

Mario served his country in the United States Marines during the Korean war and later worked for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for 25 years before retiring and eventually settling in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.  A faithful Christian, Mario had a big impact on all he encountered within his church community and beyond.  Fun-loving and often goofy, he loved working with kids and making people laugh.  He was always volunteering, helping people and spreading joy wherever he went.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his third wife, Jane Chapman Listenberger; second wife, Betty Slaff; son, Drew; stepson Donald Listenberger; brothers, Anthony, Joseph and Junior; sister, Connie Mercado Gerbig.

He is survived by first wife Marilyn Ventura of Largo, FL; two sons, Donald (Annette) of New Port Richey, FL, David (Michele) of Sharon Springs, NY; daughter Donna (John Peirson) of Thousand Oaks, CA; two step-sons, Jeffrey Slaff and Jim Listenberger; three step-daughters, Leslie Slaff Warner, Stacy Slaff Glickman and Dorlah Carson; 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

A celebration of life service will be held at Sunshine Christian Homes in Holiday, Florida on Saturday September 20 at 2 p.m. Mario will be buried next to his late wife Jane at Willwood Cemetery in Rockford, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Sunshine Christian Homes (5250 Whippoorwill Dr., Holiday FL 34690) or Revival Church (4826 Bartelt Rd, Holiday, FL 34690)