Nicholas R. Vennaro, 80, of Deerfield passed away at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center on Sunday, July 17, 2016. Nicholas was born in Utica on February 6, 1936 a son of the late Peter and Antoinette (Piluso) Vennaro. He was raised and educated locally and then later received a Masters and a Craftsman Degree in Photography from the Professional Photographers of America. Nicholas served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. In Sheringham, England on February 16, 1957 Nicholas was united in marriage to Sheila M. Gowen a blessed union of 50 years until her death on December 10, 2007. For thirty years he owned and operated Vennaro Photographic Studio in Utica. Nicholas was a member of St. Peter's Church, North Utica and a member and former officer of the Professional Photographers State of New York. Nicholas enjoyed golfing, bowling and watching the Yankee's and Cowboys. Nicholas is survived by his two sons, Nicholas P. Vennaro and wife Patrice Petricone of CT and James A. Vennaro and wife Kelly of New Hartford, four grandchildren, Eric Vennaro of Ohio, Olivia Vennaro of New York City, Zachary Vennaro of New Hartford and Jacob Vennaro of New Hartford, his special Companion, Mary Jane Toussaint, three sisters, Sister Nicolette, OSF, of Syracuse, Annette Gilmore and husband Dennis of New Hartford and Barbara Vennaro of New Hartford, two brothers, Edward Vennaro of Cold Brook and Joseph Vennaro of Marcy. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and his canine companion, Bonnie. Mr. Vennaro's funeral with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11:00 at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Utica. Calling hours at the funeral home are Wednesday from 4-7.