Edward F. “Ed” Venner, 91,  passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, at approximately 3:00 a.m.

Ed was born to a life marked by hard work, dedication, and love of family. He is survived by his sons, Jay Venner of Clearwater and Ken Venner and his wife, Debbie, of Rancho Santa Margarita, California. He was predeceased by his daughter, Susan, in 2003, and by his beloved wife, Catherine Matey Venner, in 2012.

Ed graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1956 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1957, he married Catherine Matey, the love of his life, and together they shared 55 years of marriage until her passing.

Over the course of his long and accomplished career, Ed worked for a number of major corporations along the East Coast, including Honeywell in Largo, Florida; Lockheed Martin in New Jersey; Topper Toys in Elizabeth, New Jersey; Stanley Works in New Britain, Connecticut; Arrow-Hart in Hartford, Connecticut; and Fairbanks Scales in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

In 1982, Ed founded Ven-Tel Plastics Corporation in Largo, Florida. Beginning with just one molding machine, he built the company into a successful enterprise with more than 30 molding machines, nearly 100 employees, and a 100,000-square-foot facility that he constructed. He remained active in the business until its sale in 2016.

Ed and Cathy shared a love of adventure and enjoyed snow skiing, boating, traveling by RV, and exploring the world together, ultimately visiting all seven continents.

He will be remembered for his ingenuity, generosity, and steadfast devotion to his family. Ed leaves behind a legacy of hard work, determination, and kindness, and he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.