Antonio J. Venezia Jr.

Antonio J. Venezia, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on December 26, 2024 at age 92. Tony (A.J.) was born December 20, 1932 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Antonio J. Venezia, Sr. and Zulime Venezia (nee Agnelli). Tony received doctorates in dentistry and orthodontia from University of Tennessee and Northwestern University. Tony was a Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Army. He was a successful race car driver throughout Europe under the racing pseudonym of “007.” He practiced orthodontia in Chicago and Flossmoor, IL for many decades. Tony was President of the Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society, and South Suburban Dental Society at various points throughout his lauded career. He was an avid world traveler, helicopter skier, SCUBA diver, and bicyclist. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle, Tony is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joan Venezia (nee Reid), six children, twelve grandchildren, sister, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 9:00am-12:00pm at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way in Frankfort, followed by mass at 12:20 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 7659 W Sauk Trail, in Frankfort. Interment with 21-gun salute to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.