School Board Members Remember Frank Ventura

Frank Ventura was diagnosed with cancer shortly after joining the school board, but never let it interfere with his duties, board President John Troy said.

"He would schedule his chemo around the board meetings," Troy said. "He would have his chemo and then come to the meetings."

Ventura died at his home Monday. He was 48. He is survived by his two children, Frankie Ventura and Bridget Ventura, his parents, Frank R. and Carol Ventura (Seufert) and his sister Susan (Greg) Gallagher.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at 102 E. Francis Rd. New Lenox. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m.

Ventura, a Mokena CPA, was able to continue serving on the board for more than two years. He resigned in September, when his health got to the point he wanted to spend what time he had with his children.

"It was always my intention to complete my four-year term," Ventura told the board that day. "However, it is unlikely that would occur even if I remained on the board."

"Frank was a great board member," said board member Kathy Moore. "He took his responsibilities very seriously and worked hard for the best of Mokena. If you agreed or disagreed with his opinion on things you could not take away the fact that he stood by his beliefs and always had the students' best interest at heart.  

"As sick as he was, Frank very rarely missed a meeting and continued to work hard on board issues. I know it was hard for Frank to give up his position on the board but I am glad he was able to spend time with his children. He will be missed."

Board member Pat Markham recalled Ventura’s positive attitude in the face of his illness.

"I will keep some memories of the life Frank lived," Markham said. "One such remembrance is: 'You don't get to choose how you are going to die or when. You can only decide how you're going to live.'"

Troy said Ventura decided to run for school board in 2007, after reading about the recently signed teacher contract. Ventura realized the district would be heading into rough financial waters before many within the district did.

"He was probably one of the smartest guys I ever met," Troy said. "He foresaw all of that even before it was public knowledge."

Even board members who served with Ventura a relatively short time said they and the district benefitted from the experience.

"Frank was extremely intelligent and I learned a lot from him related to the district issues for the short time that we sat on the board together," Mike Ford said.

"While I only had the opportunity to work with Frank for a few months, I found Frank to be a very dedicated and knowledgeable board member," Joe Spalla said.

See Ventura's online obituary at Kurtz Memorial Chapel.

Share your memories of Frank Ventura and thoughts for his family in the comments section of this article.