Matthew Joseph Ventura

Matthew J. Ventura passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 after a courageous 2 year battle with cancer at the age of 86. A native and resident of New Orleans, LA, Matthew grew up in the Uptown area before moving his family to Metairie in 1967. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Earline Dufrene Ventura, as well as his parents, Matthew Ventura and Margaret Mustachia Ventura. He is survived by 3 siblings, Raymond Ventura (Patricia), Margaret Doell, and Rosalind Cado (Nick); his son, Keith Ventura (mother of his children, Brenda Vidrine Villio); and daughter, Michelle Bordes-Husselbaugh (late, James Bordes and Eric Husselbaugh). Matthew has 5 grandchildren who were the lights of his life: Melissa Mattingly (Michael), Alicia McCarthy (Casey), Tayler Bordes, Torrie Bordes, and Britton Bordes; 2 step grandchildren: Eric Husselbaugh and Olivia Husselbaugh; and 2 great-grandchildren: Maxwell James Mattingly and Miles Matthew Mattingly as well as a little girl on the way. He had a host of other relatives and friends in and out of the area who will also miss him very much.
Matthew was a huge sports fan and loved the Saints, Tulane, and the Pelicans. As a young man, he participated in all sports and excelled in boxing at St. Henry. He served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War which he was very proud of. He was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus and held many different positions. He was also an active member of International Order of Alhambra. Matthew was always looking to help the needy and unfortunate. God, Country, and Family was always the creed Matthew lived by. He worked in the food and beverage industry for many years and made many friends in that business before retiring. He was a man of many wonderful qualities such as being generous, caring, loving, having a great sense of humor, and always having a story to tell. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Divine Providence, 8617 West Metairie Ave., Metairie, LA 70003 on Monday, August 19, 2019. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with a Funeral Mass at 12:00 Noon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite charity in Matthew's name.

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