Tony Venturini, father of two-time ARCA Series driving champion Bill Venturini and grandfather of current series competitor Billy Venturini, died Wednesday, February 1st after a long, courageous battle with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. He was 77. Tony, of Chicago, Illinois, was the first line of three generations of Venturinis who competed in motorsports. Tony began his career racing jalopies at Soldiers Field in Chicago in 1952. During his racing career that lasted through 1959, Tony also raced at Rockford Speedway, OHare Stadium and Milwaukee. Tony was also a driver in Andy Granatellis Hurricane Hot Rod Association. Tony earned his living through the years as a Chicago-area gas station owner.
Tonys son Bill, a veteran of ARCA and the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, earned ARCA national championships in 1987 and 1991. Bill also has the distinction of being officially the fastest qualifier in ARCA history with a 205.432 mph qualifying run at Talladega Superspeedway in 1987.
Third-generation driver Billy Venturini finished a career-best 4th in ARCA RE/MAX Series points in 2004. Granddaughter Wendy is a broadcaster with Speed Channel. Tony is survived by sons Bill Venturini, Jack Venturini, Tony Venturini Jr., John Kaminski, Kenny Kaminski and daughter Caprice Towne. Visitation is from 11am to 8pm Sunday, February 5th at the Cumberland Chapel, 8300 W Lawrence Ave, Norridge IL 60706, phone (708) 456-8300. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 6th with interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Elmwood IL, phone (708) 453-0184. All messages of well-wishes can be sent to Venturini Motorsports, 571 Pitts School Rd., NW, Concord NC 28027. Condolences go out to family and friends.(In part from ARCA Racing site)
AND In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made in Tony Venturini’s honor to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Western North Carolina Chapter, 5950 Fairview Road Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28210.(2-1-2006)
