Ventura, Michael, J., 63, of Riverside, died unexpectedly on April 6, 2016. He was the loving husband of Kathie (Gonsalves) Ventura.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Joseph and Claire (Vincent) Ventura, he lived in Riverside for 20 years.

Mr. Ventura was a driver for Teamsters Local #251 for 40 years before retiring in 2013.

Michael enjoyed vacationing in Florida, going to the beach, watching drag racing, entertaining his family and friends at his home and weekends at Saudade Land.

Besides his wife of 20 years and his beloved dog, Gracie, he is survived by a brother, Joseph F. Ventura and his wife Wendy of Riverside; a sister, Valerie DeLeon and her husband Darrell of CA; father and mother-in-law, Verna and Nathaniel Gonsalves of Florida; several nieces and nephews, Holly Ventura Miller, Abbie E. Ventura, Nicholas R. Ventura, Andrew McLeod, Lindsay Eichler, Sean Morgan, Brittnee Morgan, Layla Stedman and Jannell Gonsalves; a sister-in-law, Alice Gonsalves and her husband David Morgan and a brother-in-law, Keith Gonsalves and his wife Deborah.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday April 9, 2016 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside from 4-7 p.m. Burial will be private. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Michael’s memory to The American Heart Association, 1 State Street, Suite 200, Providence, RI, 02908 would be deeply appreciated.