Launched in 2020 to remember the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, NIAF is recognizing Italian Americans who sacrificed, served and defended peace, freedom and democracy during the war through the #IAWW2Heroes initiative.
This entry is a special submission from Anthony Jr. and Janine Venezia in honor of their father.
Anthony W. Venezia Sr. was the first in his family to be born in the United States—in Union, N.J.—on April 27, 1920. His parents and siblings were born in Bernalda, in the Italian region of Basilicata.
Venezia went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Army during World War II where he received a Purple Heart during combat.
His passion for serving his country and others was his life long mission. Upon returning home from WWII he started his career as a firefighter for the Township of Union’s fire department. There he eventually achieved the appointment of captain. He lived his entire life in Union, N.J.
He was also a past Grand Knight of The Knights of Columbus.
If you’d like to make a submission to NIAF’s #IAWW2Heroes initiative, email the photo and description to media@niaf.org.
Benvenuti to the NIAF Pensieri Blog 