Harry Christopher de Venoge, age 84, died peacefully at his home in New Smyrna Beach Florida on 12 November 2009. He was with his wife and surrounded by his nine adult children. Mr. de Venoge was born in Corona, New York and after his commissioning as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the war, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Fordham University and a law degree from New York University. He married Laura Anne Detwiller of Rockaway, New York, with whom he raised five daughters and four sons at their home, in Manhasset, New York, McLean, Virginia, and New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Mr. de Venoge began his career as a civil servant working as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigations, later the Department of State, Internal Revenue Service and finally the Department of Commerce where he served as the Director, Office of Investigations and Security. He retired from government service to pursue work in the private sector. Remarkably, all nine of his children earned a college education, determined that they pursue higher education. At full retirement, Mr. de Venoge volunteered as a child advocate for abused and neglected children working for the State of Florida's Guardian Ad Litem program.Growing up on the streets of Corona playing stickball, basketball and baseball, he became an avid sportsman. Later, he became an accomplished handball player and an unaccomplished golfer, prompting his move to New Smyrna Beach Florida in 1988 to live on the 15th Fairway at Sugar Mill Country Club.
Mr. de Venoge was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Joseph de Venoge and Agnes Heffernan, his brother Vincent de Venoge and sister Josephine Bull. He leaves behind his wife, nine children, Francine, Ann (Joe) Yohe, Harry (Lori), Vincent, Thomas (Debra), Francis (Amy), Laura (John) Ronis, Nicole, Mimi (Frank) Pohl and 23 grandchildren. The entire family wishes to thank everyone for their support during our time of grief and in particular thank God for sending an angel, Holly, to be Dad’s caregiver.
Contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to CurePSP – Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Mail to: CurePSP Executive Plaza III 11350 McCormick Road, Ste. 906 Hunt Valley, MD 21031 or online at www.curepsp.org.
Mass of the Resurrection will be Wednesday, November 18, at 9:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church New Smyrna Beach.
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The family will receive friends at Baldwin Brothers Memorial Chapel North Causeway New Smyrna Beach on Tuesday, November 17 from 4 to 6 PM.
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Harry certainly left a big spot to fill, and he left a big wonderful family to do the job. God bless you all.
Mike & Lisa Mulville
There are not many people who I would sit on Ghanaian public transportation for if I did not have to. Being in a van that was meant for 8 with 18 people, baskets of fish next to me, no air conditioning, and even a live goat is not even close to what I would do for you. Not everyone thought it was a good idea, but there was no one that could stop me from coming home to celebrate your life. I got to spend 2 weeks with you this summer that were priceless. I spoke to you on the phone right before you passed and was fortunate enough to express to you how much I love you. The memories I have of summers in NSB, the opportunities you gave me for a good Catholic education, and the love and constant support you have not only given me, but all of your grandkids is one of a kind. Many of my friends are jealous of our family because it truly is something special. And we have you and Nana to thank for that. I am going to miss you soo much, but I know you will always be with me where ever I go... including my return trip to Ghana on that public transportation.
You will definitely by missed. Last week I spoke to you on the phone and let you know how things are going in Afghanistan. At the time I really didnt think that was the last time we would talk, but I am grateful I got to tell you I love ya and say goodbye to a GREAT man. I have always admired your strength and kindness, which is so clearly evident by our close family. Your children (my aunts and uncles), are all great people, and I look up to each and every one of them, just like I do to you and Nana. I am sorry I will not be able to attend your services but I know your spirit is with me as I finish out this deployment. I love you Pops. - John
Mimi
Carol & Paul
I will miss you more than I can express but I am so thankful to have your example as a strong male figure in my life and as my grandfather. Your sharp wit, sarcastic humor that usually left everyone in stitches, strong faith and above all huge heart will be what I will always cherish that I was fortunate enough to experience as your eldest grandchild. Thank you for teaching me how to body surf the waves of New Smyrna - although my cousins may not remember, you could beat Nana in distance any day with your eyes closed! Though I suppose your eyes would have to be closed, wouldn't they? Another talent you have left me with is an affection for pasta. When all else fails, pasta makes a mean meal in a pinch and who could want any more from life than spaghetti and meatballs from Vincenzos?
I don't think there are many men who could hope to live the life you have led and to be the man that you have always been. You have been blessed and your family is very blessed to have you as our rock. I love you Grandpa.
Love,
Fran