Anna Venaglia

Venaglia, Anna A wife who was always there for her husband; a mother who was always there for her children; Anna Venaglia went to join her husband Frank Venaglia on their 62nd wedding anniversary, June 28, 2015. Anna was a first generation American who was born in Albuquerque in 1931. Her father and mother, Paul and Christina Psaltis emigrated from Greece in the early 1900’s. Attending school in the elementary years was quite a challenge for a little girl who only spoke Greek, but Anna was always up for a challenge. She went on to graduate High School from Albuquerque High with honors. She found her love of music and was very involved in choir at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Anna had an amazing voice! In 1950 her “maestro” in Albuquerque sent her to Chicago where she would study and sing opera. It was there that she would meet the love of her life, Frank Venaglia. Soon after, Frank and Anna would marry and move back to Albuquerque to start a family and open their own restaurant, Casa Luna Pizzeria, the first of 47 restaurants and night clubs. She worked right beside Frank to build every restaurant and club they would own, all while raising a family of three children. Lovingly and tirelessly Anna gave all to her family as they were everything to her. You might not have seen Anna on the front line of the family’s Capos restaurants in her later years but she was the “cornerstone” of all the family’s business until the day she passed. “The force behind the throne” With her quick wit and sharp mind Anna was quite a force.” We will always love you and will miss you very much! Thank you mom for all the great years you have given us”. On the day Anna passed, her horoscope read “Exits and entrances are the theme. It’s a skill to enter a room and make an impression, and to exit one with flair. The first step is realizing that your presence is a force!” Anna is survived by her loving children, Frank Venaglia, II and girlfriend, Robin Lu Harmon, Madelyne Venaglia and Giovanna V. Mourning and husband, Dan; wonderful grandchildren, Frank “Tre” Venaglia III, Brook Bassan and husband Uri, Anna Mia Mourning and Nick Mourning; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Molly, Luke and Zack Bassan; sister, Madelyn Catsavis of Fort Smith, AR; nephews, George and Paul Catsavis; nieces, Tina and Marcy Catsavis, also of Fort Smith. Friends may visit FRENCH – University on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Services will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, 11:00 a.m., at FRENCH – University. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Please visit our online guestbook for Anna at www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE 505-843-6333