An Ode to Artie Venezia

Written by Bob Johnson

It was a sad day in Watertown last week when the news spread of the passing of 68 year old Artie Venezia. I’ve written a lot of articles over the last several years, and they usually tend to write themselves. “Player “X” had 2 goals and Player “Y” added 3 assists, as Watertown High beat Team “Z” to improve to 3-0 on the season.” Easy, right? But this one has proven to be difficult. I’d like to honor Artie with my words, but as my daughter pointed out, there’s just so much to say.

Artie came to Watertown at age 12, and never left. Simply put: he loved this town, and bled WHS red, black and white. We have all lost a good friend. Words like loving son, (his father is still with us) husband, (married 47 years) father, (4 kids) and grandfather (15 grandchildren!) simply don’t do him justice. He leaves an everlasting legacy as a caring family man who possessed a compassionate spirit and cordial nature that touched and transcended 3 generations of Watertown residents. It is not hyperbole to say that in the storied history of our little town, he will be considered a giant.

In a nutshell, Artie graduated WHS in 1964, then played hockey and soccer at Norwich. He is a member of both schools’ Athletic Halls of Fame. In the next 45 years, he bestowed upon those lucky enough to be within his circle the values of family, education, athletics, and determination. He coached youth hockey, and was an assistant at WHS to coaching legend Dick Umile during the glory days of the 80’s when the Red Raiders sent several players to Division 1 schools like BC (Sean Real) and Northeastern (Joe MacInnis) and battled perennial powers Matignon and St. John’s Prep. Several years ago at a WHS game, he was honored with the title of “Godfather of Watertown Youth Hockey.” Along with his good friend, Steve Messina, Artie helped finance and build the Fitness Center at the High School. He was a mentor to his friends and peers, as well as his children and their peers, and his children’s children and their peers. Three distinct and separate groups all brought together by one great man who preached the importance of making good decisions, applying maximum effort, and the benefits of loyalty and respect. He paid it forward, and then some.

Although he had many interests, athletics was high on his list. Artie loved going to all types of events in Watertown, whether they involved WHS Football, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, or Youth Hockey, Little League, Dancing, Youth Lacrosse, Youth Soccer, Youth Basketball, and on, and on, and on. He had a tremendous pride in the Watertown athlete, big or small, and their innate ability to never quit, to battle through adversity, and accentuate the positive. Somewhere, better yet, everywhere, there’s a reserved seat for Artie Venezia with his name on it, in every hockey rink, and on every bench, on every football field, lacrosse field, baseball field, stadium, gym, and dance hall, and it’s the best seat in the house.

I’m not related to Artie, but that never meant he didn’t treat me like family. It didn’t make a difference if it was Lovell Road, or York Beach Maine. I was welcome and he made it easy. Same thing for my wife, my son and my daughter. He loved going to their games, and they loved it when he was there. I get the feeling that’s how everyone felt around him. How else to explain the tremendous gathering of love and support for his family at his wake this week in the blistering summer sun? I’ve never seen a line wind so long down Main and Cuba Streets before. 3pm-8pm turned into 2pm-10pm (ish). I can’t believe I won’t see him again. Our hearts go out to Barbara, Mike, Linda, Christy, Jamie, and the entire Venezia family, friends and colleagues. Artie Venezia was my friend, and he was my mentor. Besides his smile and infectious personality, I was impressed most by his sheer enthusiasm and love of family, and it is for this that I will most remember him. He was the best.