John A. Venditto, 88, of Springfield, passed away Monday, August 16, 2010 in Mercy Villa. He was born in Linden, New Jersey on February 9, 1922 to Dolores and Dominick Venditto. He was a retired banker of 57 years who began his banking career at the former Union National Bank of Springfield in 1950 as a consumer loan officer. After 29 years there he moved on to other banks in Springfield to advance his career and new challenges. John was active in state banking organizations and a member of the Missouri Bankers Association. He was also a member of Americans Bankers Association and served 5 terms as chairman of ABA's consumers credit committee and served several years as an instructor for the local Ozark Chapter of American Institute of Banking. He was among the founders of Ozark Consumer Credit Association and received a Diploma from the American Banking Association's National Credit School at the University of Chicago. He was enrolled into the Missouri Bankers Foundation's 50 years club was awarded a Fifty-year pin and special plaque for his many years devoted to the banking profession. John loved banking and will be remembered by some of those in the business community and others for his distinguished career as a banker. His business philosophy was: "In order to be successful, you must be a listener and you must have great concern for people. I teach that the most important person in a bank is the customer. Success is not the title. If your career ladder is made up of hard work, sacrifice, humility and high desires, you're going to succeed." He was founder of Mercy Villa Nursing Home's Board of Directors and President of Mercy Villa's School of Practical Nursing. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, was a member of the Knight's of Columbus, a member of the Association of St. Francis de Sales, a member of Salvation Army Board and for many years enjoyed playing golf and cards with his "buddies" at Twin Oaks Country Club. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. Faith in God was always an important part of his life. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mildred; a daughter, Jane Caldwell and her husband, Russel; a granddaughter, Amy Bergant; two great-grandchildren, Michael and Zoe Bergant; and several very special nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Mercy Villa and St. John's HospiceCare for the loving care they gave to John during his time as a resident there. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 21, 2010 in Immaculate Conception Church under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will follow in Marshfield Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's HospiceCare, 1570 West Battlefield, Suite 110, Springfield, MO 65807.