Dante Vena Obituary
Providence, Wisconsin, United States
November 01, 2016 - September 01, 2016
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Dante Vena Obituary
Nov 01, 2016 - Sep 01, 2016
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Dr. Dante Vena 1930 - 2015 Dr. Dante Vena, a beloved husband, father and passionate educator, died on Sept. 28, 2015, at Saint Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, MA following a courageous struggle with Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. He was 84 years old. Dante was born on Nov. 12, 1930, in Castrolibero, Italy to the late Francesco and Maria Giuseppa (Turco) Vena. Dante's family immigrated to the United States in 1940 and settled in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Dante was an artist, professor, and scholar. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin in 1957 and 1960, respectively. In 1965, Dante traveled to Blackpool, England as a Fulbright Scholar, where he taught drawing and printmaking. He received his PhD in Art Education from the University of Iowa in 1976. Dante taught at several universities in the Midwest before coming to UMass Dartmouth, where he was a professor for 30 years and served as Chair of the Art Education department. Upon his retirement in 2002, Dante received emeritus status, in recognition of his contributions to the field of art education. Highlights of his academic career include: a research fellowship at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia; the 1996 Reggio Emilia Conference and Art Exhibit at UMass Dartmouth; and the Madeiran Quilt Project, a documentary for the 90th anniversary of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament. Dante was also a founding member of the Men-Who-Cook program, which blended his love of cooking and advocacy. Professionally, Dante served as co-founder of the Project Excel/Spotlight Program for gifted high school students, consulted with several communities on alternative learning environments, presented several workshops on Printmaking for the New England Art Conference and served as President of the Massachusetts Art Education Association. He served on numerous academic and curriculum councils and also was elected to the Fairhaven School Committee. Dante's scholarly articles have been published in the Journal of Art Education, and his artwork is held in several private and university collections, as well as in The National Museum in Cardiff, South Wales. During his retirement, Dante married Kathleen in Castrolibero, Italy, worked in his studio, enjoyed the company of his students and studio-mates, and participated in The New Bedford Open Studios. Dante continued to work with and provide guidance to students well into his retirement. His students are a testament to his passion for art education and are his enduring legacy. Dante is survived by his wife, Kathleen Westgate Vena, his stepchildren, Kiah Rauseo of Seattle, Emily and Noah Westgate of New Bedford; his son Michael Vena of Georgia, his daughters, Sarah Whitten of Taunton and Lauren Vena of East Dennis; his beloved grandchildren, Michael and Olivia Vena of Georgia and Emma Marin Vena of New Bedford. He is also survived by his siblings, Sam Vena of California, Frank Vena and his wife Mary of Wisconsin, Millie Engel of Florida, and George Vena and his wife Sera of Arkansas. He is also survived by his godchild, Giada Pagan of Providence, his many nieces and nephews, and his students, colleagues and dear friends. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers, Gene and Emil Vena. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m. from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 10 a.m. Entombment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery in Fall River. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 4-8 p.m. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Dr. Dante Vena Scholarship Fund, c/o First Citizens Federal Credit Union, 271 Union St. New Bedford, MA. 02740.
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