Joseph A. Ventolo Jr.

Joseph A. Ventolo Jr., 88, of Enon, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024. He was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to the late Joseph and Dorothy (Funk) Ventolo Sr. on December 7, 1936. Joseph graduated from Enon High School and Miami University with a degree in History in 1958. He joined the Air Force National Guard in 1960. He worked as a cameraman at Channel 2 in Dayton, a motion picture archivist at WPAFB, and a historian for the Air Force before landing his dream job as a curator at the US Air Force Museum. He was later promoted to Chief Curator of the Air Force Museum in 1993 and retired after more than 30 years as a civil servant. After retiring he spent countless hours as a volunteer for the Air Force Museum as well as The Davidson Interpretive Center at George Rodgers Clark Park. He was a founding partner of Phoenix Aviation working to preserve aviation history and co-authoring books on aviation with Jeanette Remak. He enjoyed giving “Plane Talks” at special events for the Air Force Museum. He was the first Santa’s helper with his dad as Santa for the Enon Lions Club. He was a member of the Enon United Methodist Church. He was an extra-class amateur radio operator, K8DMZ, a member of the local Clark County Amateur Radio Association (CLARA) and founded GEARVAKf with his best friend Joel Rose, N8JR. Joseph joins his loving wife of 61 years, Martha “Marti” Ventolo in heaven. He is also preceded in death by both of his parents, his sister Janet Goode, and his son-in-law Loman Fisher III. He leaves to cherish his memory, devoted daughters, Tina Fisher, Karen (Phil) Wilson, and Joelle (John Musgrove), grandchildren, Loman (Sylvia) Fisher IV; Victor (Jaclyn) Woodward, Kaylyn (Chris) Hemmelgarn, Jonathan (Jessica) Sheridan, Aaron (Jen) Woodward, Tyler (Julia) Woodward, and Sarah Sheridan; great-grandsons, Ben, Lincoln; and many other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him. Adkins Funeral Home in Enon will be assisting Joseph’s family with his final wishes. A Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 PM, and from 6:00-8:00 PM at Enon United Methodist Church. Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at the church followed by burial at Enon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Enon United Methodist Church or The Friends of the Museum Foundation. www.adkinsfunerals.com

Joseph A. Ventolo Jr.

December 7, 1936 - December 29, 2024