Venanzio "Pokey" Basiletti

Venanzio “Pokey” Basiletti, 95, of Uhrichsville, passed away on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Park Village Health Care Center in Dover. Born July 1, 1926 in Wainwright, he was a son of the late Roger and Rita (Sciarini) Basiletti.

A lifelong area resident with the exception of the years that he spent in the U.S. Army during World War II, Pokey met and wed the love of his life, Valeria Barbara Ridinger, in Heidelberg, Germany. They enjoyed nearly 68 years of marriage together before her passing on January 5, 2015. Pokey returned to a long career with Nardi Construction and was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison.

He is survived by a daughter, Ilona Anderson; son, Roger “Dutch” (Chris) Basiletti; granddaughters, Leidy (Pieter) van Ispelen and Cara (Michael) Lipinski; and great-grandchildren; Caelum, Eridani, Solin and Indus van Ispelen and Brandon, Ryan and Carson Lipinski, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Basiletti.

Father Jeff Coning will celebrate the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 11, at Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will follow beside his beloved wife in St. Mary’s Cemetery near Dennison. According to Pokey’s wishes, no public visitation is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 206 N. 1 ^st St., Dennison, OH  44621 and Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, OH  44663.