A former Marvelous Man and Honorary Mayor candidate passed away at his home on June 25. William “Bill” Vendetti, 91, served as the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford Honorary Mayor in 2019.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of a cherished member of our community and dear friend to many,” Jo Schmeiser, Executive Director and Jennie Hess, Administrative Assistant, at CCGM wrote in an email to members. “Bill was an incredible supporter of the chamber and an active presence at countless events, including our Sunrise Seminars.”
Born on June 19, 1934, Vendetti was the son of the late Joseph J. and Hattie V. Vendetti. He grew up a military kid, living in more than 20 states with his brothers. The family settled in Baltimore and Vendetti graduated from Kenwood High School in 1953.
For four years, Vendetti served in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Okinawa. In 1958, he married the love of his life, the late Patricia A. Hessenauer. Working full time and taking care of his wife and child, Vendetti earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Baltimore in 1975, attending night classes for 11 years.
Most of his career was as a computer systems analyst for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. After retirement, he worked for the Lutheran Mission Society of Maryland. He and Pat loved travelling, entertainment and spending time with many friends and family. Friends say they were experts at finding a reason to celebrate. After his wife passed, Vendetti moved to Milford in 2015 to be closer to his daughter, Dr. Dina Carol Vendetti.
“Bill was a proud veteran, a Girl’s Night Out Marvelous Man winner, an Honorary Mayor Candidate, and a faithful attendee of many chamber and community functions,” the CCGM email continued. “His heart for service also extended to several non-profit organizations in Milford, making a lasting impact far beyond our own.”
Vendetti is survived by his only child, Dr. Dina Carol Venditti of Dover; his brothers, Joseph J. Vendetti Jr. of Hagerstown, Maryland; and Jerry M. Vendetti, along with his wife, Irma, of Selbyville, Delaware, and their families. He leaves behind several cousins and family members, his beloved friends at his favorite places which include Roma Italian Restaurant, Milford Diner, Milford Senior Center and Reformation Lutheran Church.
“He will be missed by all the others with whom he shared his life, laughs, flowers and candy,” his obituary read. “He will be remembered for his kind generosity, his quick wit, his sense of duty, his strength, his love of life and his propensity to make people smile.”
A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, September 27 at Reformation Lutheran Church, 613 Lakeview Avenue, Milford. A visitation will be at 10 AM with the service to follow at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Reformation Lutheran Church or to the Milford Senior Center.
“Please join us in keeping Bill’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this time,” the CCGM email read. “May they be comforted by God’s peace, the hope of resurrection and the beautiful memories of a life so well lived.”
