Matthew Anthony Veneziano Jr., 75,

Matthew Anthony Veneziano Jr., 75, of Bellingham, died February 17, 2025 at U-Mass Memorial Medical Center. He was the husband of Linda Joyce Veneziano (Tieuli) for 53 years. Mr. Veneziano was the son of the late Matthew A. Veneziano Sr. & Josephine Pagucci. He was born in Milford and moved to Bellingham in 1977. He attended Milford Public Schools, and graduated from Milford High School in 1967, and Massachusetts Trade Shops School in 1968, as an automobile technician. As a very young man, Mr. Veneziano was first employed at the Milford Welding Co. Here he learned the fine art of painting wrought iron railings for 25 cents each under the tutelage of the late Carl Barberi. Other electrifying jobs he endured as a young man was the much sought after and prestigious Senior Apple Picker for the late Reno Ciaramicoli also at 25 cents a bushel. Sanitation Engineer & Parking Lot Attendant at Bill’s Drive at 50 cents an hour, and Brunelli’s Supermarket at $1.00 an hour. After graduation Mr. Veneziano attended Massachusetts Trade Shops School and graduated as an automobile technician.

He worked for the late Vincent Piccinotti at Vinny's Esso Station as a gasoline transfer engineer, the late Herbert Sherman of Sherman Pontiac & Cadillac in Milford, where he obtained and held, the status of Certified Cadillac Craftsman from the Cadillac Division of General Motors Corp, for over five years. The General Motors Corp. in Framingham, and DeLuca's Texaco of Milford. He tired of the automotive trade and was later employed at Noremac Manufacturing in Westborough as a machine operator, and C.N.C. set-up man. At the time of his passing he was employed part time at M.C. Machine Co. in Hopedale for over 34 years as a Vertical Machine Tool Programmer, Quality Control Inspector, and Consigliere.

He was a United States Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War as a Gm/Sn, and was stationed upon the Tugboat YTB 785 U.S.S. Winnemucca. Attached to Commander Task Force 117, Mobile Riverine Force in Nha Be, Vietnam. The Winnemucca and her sister ship the YTB 784 U.S.S. Kailspell had the distinction of being the only two harbor tugboats assigned to the Vietnam War. They operated throughout the rivers and swamps of the Mekong Delta , and from 1967 to 1973 were instrumental in relocating many M.A.T.S.B. (Mobile Advanced Tactical Support Base), into Viet Cong controlled areas of the Mekong Delta. In his over 50 yrs of service in Vietnam, Adak, Alaska, and the San Francisco Area, the YTB 785 had the distinction of being the most heavily decorated harbor tug boat in all United States naval history. Mr. Veneziano was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Mr. Veneziano was a member of the Brownwater Navy, Mobile Riverine Force Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the D.A.V. and a past Sr. Vice & Jr. Vice Commander of the Italian American World War Veterans Post 40 in Milford, MA.

His hobbies and interests included, cruising the warm waters of the Caribbean Ocean, an occasional visit to the Twin River Casino where he helped many families provide for their children’s education. He was also very dedicated to researching his genealogy, where he spent countless hours on the internet connecting and communicating with previously unknown relatives in Argentina, and Italy. He could also be found wandering through many of the local cemeteries doing family research. He enjoyed cooking on Thursday evening for family dinner night when all his children and grandchildren would gather for pork loin, or homemade cavatelli. He loved to make homemade sausage, porchetta, and pizza. Mr. Veneziano was also part of an infamous “gang of misfits”, who for over 25 yrs held Porchetta Feeds at the Belvue Club in Milford. Those dear misfits include Paul Stoico, Anthony (Butch) Mastroianni, the late Michael Mastroianni, and the late Dennis Fitzgerald. Vincent DeMeo could always be counted on for moral support as cooking was not his forte.

In Addition to his wife Linda, he is survived by his three daughters, Tricia Marie Smith of North Providence, RI and her husband Roger Marano, Karen Matthew Hamerski, and her husband James of Milford, and Farrah Lynn Veneziano of Bellingham. The pride of his fleet were his 4 grandchildren, Zachary Matthew Smith, Nicholas Albert Smith, Caden Matthew Lebel, and Ava Leona Lebel (AKA as his Little Matunia). In an already full life he was fortunate enough to be blessed with 4 bonus grandchildren, Amanda Caroline Marano, Roger Anthony Marano Jr., Kylie Christine Hamerski and Kenzie Carine Hamerski. The newest additions to his fleet were of the four legged variety Remy Da Pretzel, and Cooper. He is also survived by his much older sister Joanne Bavosi, and her husband Richard of Milford as well as many nieces an nephews who called him “Uncle Butchie”.He also leaves behind his very close friends William Dennis (Rainman) Racine, and his wife Lesyle (Little Ugh) Racine.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, 25, 2025 from the Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home, 46 Water St. Milford, with a Funeral Mass, at 10 A.M. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 7 East Main St. Milford. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. Calling hours are Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 2 to 5 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Guest Book

Linda and family, my deepest condolences, Matthy was a very special friend, although i never meet him in person, we always send each other messages thru facebook, i wil miss him a lot, sending hugs to the family, with my simphaty
Roberto A Wuotto

Matty was my friend, he was the brother I wish I had. When I moved here to Italy 25 years ago, he would go shopping and send me CARE packages of products I couldn't find here. I did countless translations for him when he was searching for Veneziano's for his family tree. When I lost my son in 1999 he was there for me, even across the miles. I am grateful that my husband and I got to meet him and "Punkin" in person in Venice when they came through on a cruise. I have so many things to thank him for, but I think most of all for his kindness and sense of humor. He never failed to make me laugh and more than once spew Pepsi out of my nose...that's the Matty I knew. He was so proud of his family, Linda, the girls, the grands, and I am sorry he won't be here to see them grow up, but I am sure he will be watching. When he found out that the word "Don" was a term of respect for our priests up here in the north of Italy, he wanted to be referred to as "Don Matteo", and of course, we did. I miss you already my friend. On my daughter's birthday, which coincidentally was also his, we will raise a glass to him, I believe that would be a Stoli martini with two olives, but I could be wrong. I will never forget you Don Matteo, try not to stress the Lord too much ;) He called me Baccala, and Matta Signora (crazy lady), so I will sign this...Matta Signora Condolences and much love to Linda, the girls, the grands and the family...Ricci and Sandro
Riccarda (Ricci) Mescola

Linda, My deepest sympathy for you and your family. I was saddened to read of Matthew's passing at such a young age. My hope is that your memories and family are a strong support for you in the months ahead. You are thought about often.
Lois Palomba

Linda, Tricia, Karen and Farrah, Tommy and I are so sorry to hear about Butch. We are thinking about you and praying God gives you the strength to get through this difficult time. Everybody loved Butchie! Love
Terri and Tom Mcgrath

Linda and family, my condolences to all of you. Matty will always be remembered as a great guy, and always wore a smile and left everyone he met along the way with one. Rest easy, Matty, your work is done here. God be good to you.
Dick Sharp

Linda and family-So sorry for your loss. May Matt Rest in Peace.
Ellie Calcagni

Matt- Fair Winds and Following Seas. Condolences to his family and friends
Mike Cyr

SAILOR REST YOUR OARS 🇺🇸 Rest in Paradise my friend . You will be missed .
Mary Ramaskewich Costa

SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MATT WAS A GREAT GUY AND FRIEND. I'LL MISS HIM AND THE STORIES HE TOLD. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY..HE WAS 1 OF THE GOOD GUYS WHO WAS RESPECTED BY ALL THAT KNEW HIM.
JACK LYNCH

To the family there are no words to express your loss you must be feeling. Marty was one in a million, he was the heart and soul of our class. He always had a smile on his face, and you always left him with a smile on yours, Mario R.I.P..my friend, my prayers will be to your family . For if there is heaven I know that you will be there, hoping to see you again, and save me a beer or two. Jim Haughey Class of MHS 67th
Jim Haughey Class of 67MHD

Linda, Trish, Karen and Farrah we are so sorry for your loss. He was our friend for ever and will never be forgotten. Many memories and fun times together. He will be missed and his sense of humor was like no other. Peter and I pray for you and your families. He will always be watching you. May he rest in peace. Love Gail and Peter Sora
Gail and Peter Sora

Our hearts are with you. Your family’s love and strength have always been something special, and we know that love will hold you up even in the hardest moments. Sending you all our love.
Emily and Brett Smith

I am so sorry for your loss, may the many memories of him give you comfort in your grief.
Diane Buksar

So sorry to hear about Matthew passing my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.may he 🙏,RIP
Doris ortla

RIP Matt, a true Plainsman. My condolences to Linda and family.
Rick Biagetti

" The sea calls out to sailors With its song of wind and wave Whispering tales of distant shores And courage of the brave" My deepest condolences to Matty's family and friends. Thank you for all you did honoring Veterans and their families. RIP my friend.
Vincent Cifizzari

So sorry for your loss. May he RIP and his memory be a comfort during this difficult time.
Maryanne Carcione Potrzuski

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers. Love Kel
Kelly

Love and prayers to you Tricia and your family. Sincerely, Ann Smith
Ann L Smith

So so sorry for your loss xoxo
Kerrilyn Shadoian Hawkins

Matt, and family. We were friends for many years and your passing has been hard. I know I for one will miss you calling me ABAJABA every time you saw me Rest in peace my friend.
Patrick J Canastar

So sorry for the families loss I have worked with Matty for many years. I will miss his “Hey Facebook What’s Happening “ & “We’re Out of Beer” when he came into the office And his many conversations. He will be missed by all.
Maureen Ames

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