Anthony Ventiera, doo-wop singer from Long Island with “Time Was”, 80

Anthony Ventiera

Anthony Ventiera, a doo-wop singer who performed in many venues on Long Island with his group Time Was and founded Tony V Productions, died on May 8, 2024. He was 80. Mr. Ventiera, known as Tony, was born on December 22, 1943, in Brooklyn to Angela and Carmine Ventiera. He attended Queen of All Saints High School in Brooklyn and received his master’s degree from St. John’s University. Mr. Ventiera married Mary Ann Tufarelli on July 29, 1967, and two years later they moved to North Massapequa. They had two daughters, Christine and Michele. Mr. Ventiera worked for over 20 years as human resources director at the Research Foundation of CUNY and then for another five years as human resources director for TNT Express Worldwide. In addition to his work, he also served as president of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce and Columbus Lodge #2143, Order of the Sons of Italy in America. Sal Polito, a longtime friend, said Mr. Ventiera was also a huge supporter of veterans, even though he wasn’t one himself. “At the end of events, dances and public gatherings, he would always have me or any other veteran hold the flag and walk through the venue while he and his band played a patriotic song and we were saluted by everyone in attendance,” Polito said. “I will remember those moments for the rest of my life.” “He was very involved with the street festivals and organized many of them,” said his daughter Michele. “He was very dedicated and loved music.” His daughter Christine added that he organized the sound systems for other bands as well. His biggest influence, however, was as a father, and his daughters both remember their father’s devotion. “He was a great father,” Christine said. “He was very loving, caring and smart, and he helped wherever he could, whether it was with homework or career decisions.” What also stands out to Christine and Michele is their father’s passion for the New York Islanders.

“He raised us to be true Islanders fans,” Christine said. Michele added that he loved hockey and that they went to games together since they always had season tickets for the Islanders.

In his free time, Mr. Ventiera enjoyed music and family vacations at Lake George.

“Lake George was a really big part of our lives,” Christine said. His daughter Michele added that he also loved boating and fishing in the Great South Bay. “We grew up on the water and he was such a devoted father who would do anything for anybody,” Michele said, adding that he loved his grandchildren and was a caring father who truly cared for his two girls. Anthony Ventiera is already survived by his parents Angela and Carmine Ventiera and his brother Vincent. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann, his daughters Christine and her husband Todd, and Michele and her husband Chris. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Joseph, Alexa, Lauren and Christopher. He rested Friday, May 10, 2024, at the William E. Law Funeral Home, 1 Jerusalem Avenue in Massapequa. A Mass of Christian burial was held Saturday, May 11, at St. Rose of Lima in Massapequa. The funeral was private.