Samuel Stephen Ventocilla's Obituary
Big Rapids - Samuel Stephen Ventocilla, 66, of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at his residence, with his wife, Terry, by his side. His best friends Curt Osborne (Beverly) of Marshall, MI, Bobby Arya of Houston, TX, and Ralph Grinnel Jr. of San Antonio, TX were in constant contact with Sam up until his passing.
Sam was born August 27, 1953, in Lima, Peru, the son of Antonio and Corrine (Johnson) Ventocilla. In 1967, the family moved to Big Rapids when his father received an offer to teach at Ferris State College. He received his BS in Business Administration from CMU in 1980 and his MBA in Dec. 1981. Sam worked 34 years in Texas as a businessman before returning to Michigan.
In 1971, Sam graduated from Big Rapids High School, with his future wife Terry Cassidy. After 34 years, they reconnected, and were married on December 18, 2004, in Haslett. In 2012, they returned to Big Rapids, and together they were active members of the Big Rapids Lions Club.
Sam is survived by his wife Terry; 3 sons, Martin Ventocilla, Michael Ventocilla (fiancée Georgina), and Anthony Ventocilla; 3 step-children, Courtney Sokoloski-Zuidema of Grand Ledge, MI, Lindsay Sokoloski-Brinks of Geneva, IL, and Adam (Brittannee) Beck of Big Rapids; grandchildren Peyton, Carter, Addison, Lexi, and Breighlee; his siblings Dr. Carmen Ventocilla (Dr. Todd Hickox) of Boyne City, MI, Susan (Mike) Gailey of Haslett, MI, Cori (Luciano) Sanslone of Doylestown, PA, and Mark (Phyllis) Ventocilla of Spring Lake, MI; along with several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Big Rapids Lions Club, P.O. Box 807, Big Rapids, MI 49307. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.
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