Joseph Vena, 79, of Kenosha, WI, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie in Pleasant Prairie, WI.Born in Kenosha, WI, on November 11, 1946; he was the son of the late Peter and Adeline (Russo) Vena. On June 30, 1973, he married Rita Metallo at Our Lady of the Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on January 25, 2020.Joseph worked as a crane operator at American Brass until his retirement in 2000.He was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. He enjoyed carpentry and was a jack of all trades. He loved working with his hands. He remodeled his own home in the 1970’s, used to work on cars with his brother, he was a true handy man. He loved cooking and all things food. He was incredibly sociable and jovial. Joseph is survived by his two brothers, Albert Vena and Chuck (Pat) Vena; many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.He was also preceded in death by his brother, John P. Vena; his half sister, Dorothy Brooks; and his sisters-in-law, Josephine Vena and Delores Vena. A visitation will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Proko Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00noon. Interment will follow in St. George Cemetery. To livestream the service please copy and paste the following: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2NTQ3MTEwNDM5MjUyMiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==.
Condolences
Adrienne Warg
December 15, 2025
What a beautiful service. I’m glad I was able to watch it online. Joe was a very kind & special person. Even though I only saw him at family reunions, we always picked right up where we left off. He used to facetime me when he would have breakfast with Uncle Frank for his Birthday so I could say hi to everybody. He will be greatly missed here on earth but I know he’s up there with my Dad & they are enjoying each other’s company
Tina
December 13, 2025
I knewJoe and Rita from Ruffolo's pizza as a server there ! I met Joe from my brother as his jack of all trades and fixed my furnace never accepted any money for his works but loved cookies in return I will always remember your kindness you and Rita are in my heart rest easy Tina
Tim Metallo
December 13, 2025
Rest in peace Uncle Joe. You were one of a kind and I'm a better person for knowing you.
Emilia Iaconis
December 12, 2025
Condolences to the Vena FamiliesSending hugs from AustraliaEmilia Iaconis and Family 💐💐❤️
Mike Malsack
December 12, 2025
Joe we had good times at the junk yard you would bring your nova and people would admire it. You and my dad would chew the fat and laugh and pick on each other. I know you will meet again with Rita in heaven. May God bless you Joe, I 'm going to miss you very much. you were like a brother to me.Mike MalsackMalsack Auto Salvage
Frankie Bilotto
December 11, 2025
My Uncle Joe was just like a father to me. He taught me so much in life. He was the greatest carpenter, giver of his time and talents, a true jokester, a supporter of my career and a good friend to many. God bless you, Uncle Joe. Rest easy. I know Aunt Rita, your mom, dad, and your dog YaJa, plus all your family and friends in heaven are rejoicing to have you there with them. Stay cool, Mr. Fonzi, Mr. Erik Estrada.We love you.Frankie Bilotto
Francesco Bilotto
December 10, 2025
My uncle Joe was the father I never grew up with. While he and my aunt Rita never had children of their own, I was blessed to be their godchild, and I benefited from their nurturing love, guidance, and support throughout their lives. How lucky was I to have the greatest carpenter — Joe — as an uncle, godfather, mentor, cheerleader, and friend.When I was young and needed a “dad” for Boy Scouts, he jumped right in. One year, we had to go away to camp overnight and do all kinds of outdoor activities. I was never adventurous or into the sporty stuff. A hike was scheduled that required walking through a foot of creek water deep in the woods. In true “me” fashion, I froze, terrified, kicking and screaming that I couldn’t do it. Joe didn’t hesitate — he picked me up like Tarzan and carried me over the water. That was exactly the type of man he was: supportive, steady, solving problems, and always strong for me.The following year, we had a pinewood derby race. Because he was so skilled with his hands, he helped me make my car. It was cherry red and absolutely beautiful. I believe I won or came in second — all thanks to him secretly placing a roll of pennies inside the car. Yes, we later learned that was considered cheating, but he didn’t know the rules; he just wanted me to have the fastest car on that track.As I got older, I watched him remodel his home and help my mother with hers. I learned so many valuable trades simply by watching him. I have countless memories of summers, holidays, and weekdays spent with him and my aunt — years of moments that shaped me more than I can ever explain.As an adult, I remember coming home from Chicago and bringing a female friend to visit with … I’ll never forget the joke he played on her. He said, “Look down and spell ‘attic.’” She dutifully spelled A-T-T-I-C, and we all cracked up. It was the simplest, silliest joke — but he was the king of those one-liners, and somehow they always landed perfectly without offending anyone. In more recent years, he became one of my strongest supporters in my television career. He loved hearing stories about the networks, the shows, the people involved. He was such a huge part of what shaped me into who I am today — through his values, his strength, his determination, and the love and devotion he showed to my aunt. He had a way of lighting up a room, spreading laughter, offering help, and lifting spirits wherever he went.I don’t know how many of us will go on without hearing his voice or feeling his presence, but I know that I will carry him — and my aunt — in my mind and heart for as long as I live.God bless you, Uncle Joe. Rest easy. I know aunt Rita, your mom, dad, YaJa… and all your family and friends in heaven are rejoicing to have you there.Stay cool, Mr. Fonzi, Mr. Erik Estrada.We love you! Frankie Bilotto