Obituary of Albert P. Vento

Vento

Albert P. “Big Al”

The retired proprietor of Vento’s Pizza in East Liberty joined his wife of 66 years, Rita, in heaven on Tuesday, June 26, 2018.  He was the loving father of Mary Ann Dombrowiak (David) of Cleveland, Barbara J. Vento Gawlas (Andrew) and Albert J. Vento (Sherry) of Pittsburgh; Grandfather of Lauren Sharifi (Youness) of Philadelphia, Jesse Dombrowiak of Los Angeles, Nicole Mance (Ronald), Albert J. “A.J.” Vento, and Veronica Miclot (Samuel) of Pittsburgh; great-grandfather of Adriana, Gianna and Isabella Mance.  Mr. Vento is also survived by his siblings John Vento, Andrew Vento, Joanne Vento and many nieces and nephews.  Mr. Vento was a pillar of the East Liberty community and a life-long member of the I.S.D.A. and the Spigno Saturnia Society, which occasionally brought the mayor of their ancestral home to many Columbus Day celebrations.  The Bloomfield Columbus Day Parade was an annual event for Mr. Vento, serving once as Grand Marshall. He honorably served as an Army sergeant in the Korean War seeing combat overseas.  He, along with his cousin the baker Tony Stagno, created Franco’s Italian Army fan club, becoming a four star general and forming a life-long friendship with Franco Harris.  All the proceeds from the fan club were donated to Children’s Hospital. Franco invited Al to his induction into the Football Hall of Fame and to each and every five year celebration of the Immaculate Reception along with his Steelers teammates.  Mr. Vento was a well-known figure in the Italian American community and received many accolades and awards for his public service and generosity, including being named Business Professional of the Year for the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. He and his loving wife, Rita, enjoyed their family and friends and especially traveling the world together, touring Italy, France, Germany, Egypt, Israel, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Caribbean Isles and many North American excursions.  Visitation will be at McCabe Bros., Inc. Funeral Home, 6214 Walnut Street, Shadyside on Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.  A devoted Catholic, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Whitehall on Monday at 10 a.m. THOSE WISHING TO ATTEND, PLEASE GATHER AT THE CHURCH.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Al’s name to ALS Association, Western PA Chapter.  Condolences may be left at www.mccabebrothers.com