Joseph J. Venasco, age 87, of New Castle, passed away the afternoon of January 19, 2016 at his Neshannock Township residence. Born December 17, 1928 in New Castle, he was a son of Antonio and Jennie Perrotta Venasco. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy Jackamo Venasco, whom he married on May 10, 1958. After his 1946 graduation from New Castle High School, Joe attended St. Fidelis Capuchin Seminary in Herman, PA and received his Master's Degree in education from Westminster College. He taught both English and Latin for 35 years with the Neshannock School District until his retirement in 1993. A member of St. Vitus Church, he served as a lector, while continuing to support the Capuchin Order of Priests. Among his many interests, Joe enjoyed reading, cooking and his yard work. He truly loved his family, entertaining people, and was known to others as a very generous man. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Norman Young of New Wilmington; one son, Kevin J. Venasco of Fairfax, VA; and one sister, Rita Mae Smith of New Castle. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Anthony V. Venasco Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle. A procession will leave the funeral home Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Vitus Church at 10:00 a.m. Father William Siple will officiate. Burial will be in St. Vitus Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Jameson Hospice of Lawrence County, 1211 Wilmington Road, New Castle, PA 16105. Online condolences may be offered at www.cunninghamfh.com