DANNEMORA -Derrick A. "Joe" Venne, Sr., 78, of General Leroy Manor Road, passed away March 18, 2019.

He was born in Ellenburg Depot on May 10, 1940 the son of Adrian and Margaret (Rabideau) Venne.

Joe worked for Georgia Pacific for a few years before being drafted into the United States Army. Upon returning from the service, Joe worked as a Correctional Officer and retired from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora after 30 years of service. During retirement, Joe spent time running a portable sawmill with his close friend, Bill Dubrey, for over 8 years.

Joe had a great love for his grandchildren, and family was the most important part of his life. He also enjoyed bird watching and especially helping his cousin Henry on his cousin's horse farm.

Survivors include his wife of over 53 years, the former Dorothea "Dolly" Sunderland of Dannemora; daughter, Dawn and Wally Bordeau of Ellenburg Depot; son, Derrick "Sonny" Venne and his companion, Lori Wood of Saranac; grandchildren, Kyra (Faradoon), Billy (Shanna), Tyler, Kendra (Gordon), Debra (Dann), Dereck (Brandon), Bailey, Keagan and Kaylyn; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters, Theresa Minkler, Shirley and Dennis Gadway and Phyllis and Gary Donivan; several cousin's, nieces and nephews and he also leaves behind his fur babies, Buster and Buddy.

Family will receive guests on Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church in Dannemora. A funeral mass will follow at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the North Country Honor Flight or the Elmora SPCA.

To share a condolence with the family, please visit, www.rwwalkerfh.com.