THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY METCALFE, BARRAR, AUMENT, CALTAGIRONE, CLYMER, D. COSTA, EVERETT, FARRY, GEIST, GINGRICH, GODSHALL, GROVE, HENNESSEY, HESS, JOSEPHS, KAUFFMAN, KILLION, KNOWLES, KORTZ, MAJOR, MILLARD, MOUL, MUSTIO, RAPP, READSHAW, REICHLEY, ROCK, ROSS, SAINATO, SCHRODER, STEVENSON, SWANGER, TALLMAN, VEREB, VULAKOVICH AND YOUNGBLOOD, OCTOBER 19, 2011

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, OCTOBER 19, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Joseph Anthony Vento and

extending condolences to his family and friends.

WHEREAS, Serving as a source of inspiration and generosity to

his community, Mr. Joseph Vento was an influential South

Philadelphia entrepreneur, philanthropist and American patriot;

and

WHEREAS, Joseph Vento was born on December 18, 1939, to James

and Eva Vento in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Vento served in the United States Army from 1957

to 1958; and

WHEREAS, With no formal higher education, in 1966, Mr. Vento

opened Geno's Steaks in Philadelphia at the corner of 9th Street

and Passyunk Avenue with only $6 in his pocket, two boxes of

steaks and some hot dogs; and

WHEREAS, Through his determination and the entrepreneurial

spirit he learned from working in his father's steak shop, Mr.

Vento expanded Geno's from its humble beginnings to a highly

profitable business that is an icon of Philadelphia and the

cheesesteak; and

WHEREAS, As the grandson of Italian immigrants and through

his professional success, Mr. Vento understood the value and

necessity of assimilating into American culture; and

WHEREAS, By taking a bold stand for the English language, Mr.

Vento encouraged legal immigrants to learn the English language

so that, like him, they may have the opportunity to attain

success and prosperity in the United States; and

WHEREAS, He shared his success and wealth through donations

to local charities, law enforcement, military organizations,

victims of the September 11th attacks, the less fortunate and

members of the community who suffered unexpected financial

hardships; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Vento was an invaluable member of the community

who championed local issues and never hesitated to help those in

need; and

WHEREAS, His life exemplified the American dream and was a

testament to the ideals of thrift and hard work on which this

nation was built; and

WHEREAS, On August 23, 2011, Mr. Joseph Vento died at 71

years of age, leaving behind a legacy of professional success

and philanthropy that will be continued by his family, friends

and community; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express its

profound sorrow over the passing of Mr. Joseph Anthony Vento and

extend its heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.