Obituary for Dean Antigio Veneruz
Celebration of Life Notification
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dean Antigio Veneruz, on August 6th, 2022, at 20 years of age.
Dean was born and raised in Georgetown Ontario. He had an inquisitive young mind and an old soul. As a young boy he loved model trains, Lego and building things. He enjoyed playing with his younger sister, his friends and was equally comfortable on his own, often spinning around the yard as his self-created superhero “Cat Man”. Dean spent much of his childhood on his grandparent’s apple orchard, developing a strong bond, which continued through his teen years as he worked and learned all aspects of a farming operation. He also spent time in Thunder Bay, visiting family, especially nonno and nonna, highlighted by camping trips throughout Northwestern Ontario.
He attended Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School in Georgetown, a place where he was eager to learn, and established friendships, many lasting throughout his life. He was extraordinarily intelligent and curious, even starting to create his own video games at a young age.
Dean’s journey into music began with the guitar and quickly expanded to other instruments like the keyboard and drums. A foray into electronic music with his friend Nikko garnered an award at the Fall Fair. Dean published his first album “Songs and Improvisations” on Soundcloud, when he was only 16. This was just the start of Dean’s development into an incredible musician.
During his years at Christ the King Secondary School, he participated in the concert band, started exploring Jazz, as well as composition and arrangement of music. Dean worked tirelessly to teach himself the vibraphone, a challenging instrument that he was quickly mastering.
His determination and pursuit of excellence led to a scholarship to continue his musical development on the vibraphone at Humber College in the Bachelor of Music Program. During his studies Dean made new friendships, and flourished in this musical environment. He was featured on Jazz Toronto, as well as Etobicoke Spotlight for up and coming musicians. Always up for a musical challenge, Dean taught himself the double bass during COVID 19. Dean combined his love of music and composition with his knowledge of science and technology as part of a global team, creating music for a video game in the Global Game Jam in 2021.
Dean has played extensively across the GTA at numerous venues with various Jazz ensembles. Locally, Dean and the Georgetown Jazz Collective entertained Jazz fans at Dominion Gardens, most recently via a concert series organized by Dean, with support of the Town of Halton Hills.
He will be remembered by his family and friends for his many talents, creativity and sharp wit. He was brilliant, unique and special to everyone. To keep his memory alive, loved ones and friends can continue to celebrate his artistry, and the music he loved.
Dean is survived by his sister Talia Veneruz, father Giuseppe Veneruz (Stacey), his mother
Jenni Williams, his nonna Mirialisa Veneruz, grandparents Sandy and Eldon Williams, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by his nonno Antigio Veneruz (2017).
An outdoor Celebration of Life will be held at the father’s family home on Friday August 19th, 2022.
9 Uplands Court. Georgetown, Ontario
Family and Friends can drop by between 4 pm and 7 pm.
Respectfully, please refrain from attending if you have any illness, or are under COVID protocols.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to: Diabetes Canada in Honor of Dean
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dean Antigio Veneruz, on August 6th, 2022, at 20 years of age.
Dean was born and raised in Georgetown Ontario. He had an inquisitive young mind and an old soul. As a young boy he loved model trains, Lego and building things. He enjoyed playing with his younger sister, his friends and was equally comfortable on his own, often spinning around the yard as his self-created superhero “Cat Man”. Dean spent much of his childhood on his grandparent’s apple orchard, developing a strong bond, which continued through his teen years as he worked and learned all aspects of a farming operation. He also spent time in Thunder Bay, visiting family, especially nonno and nonna, highlighted by camping trips throughout Northwestern Ontario.
He attended Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School in Georgetown, a place where he was eager to learn, and established friendships, many lasting throughout his life. He was extraordinarily intelligent and curious, even starting to create his own video games at a young age.
Dean’s journey into music began with the guitar and quickly expanded to other instruments like the keyboard and drums. A foray into electronic music with his friend Nikko garnered an award at the Fall Fair. Dean published his first album “Songs and Improvisations” on Soundcloud, when he was only 16. This was just the start of Dean’s development into an incredible musician.
During his years at Christ the King Secondary School, he participated in the concert band, started exploring Jazz, as well as composition and arrangement of music. Dean worked tirelessly to teach himself the vibraphone, a challenging instrument that he was quickly mastering.
His determination and pursuit of excellence led to a scholarship to continue his musical development on the vibraphone at Humber College in the Bachelor of Music Program. During his studies Dean made new friendships, and flourished in this musical environment. He was featured on Jazz Toronto, as well as Etobicoke Spotlight for up and coming musicians. Always up for a musical challenge, Dean taught himself the double bass during COVID 19. Dean combined his love of music and composition with his knowledge of science and technology as part of a global team, creating music for a video game in the Global Game Jam in 2021.
Dean has played extensively across the GTA at numerous venues with various Jazz ensembles. Locally, Dean and the Georgetown Jazz Collective entertained Jazz fans at Dominion Gardens, most recently via a concert series organized by Dean, with support of the Town of Halton Hills.
He will be remembered by his family and friends for his many talents, creativity and sharp wit. He was brilliant, unique and special to everyone. To keep his memory alive, loved ones and friends can continue to celebrate his artistry, and the music he loved.
Dean is survived by his sister Talia Veneruz, father Giuseppe Veneruz (Stacey), his mother
Jenni Williams, his nonna Mirialisa Veneruz, grandparents Sandy and Eldon Williams, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by his nonno Antigio Veneruz (2017).
An outdoor Celebration of Life will be held at the father’s family home on Friday August 19th, 2022.
9 Uplands Court. Georgetown, Ontario
Family and Friends can drop by between 4 pm and 7 pm.
Respectfully, please refrain from attending if you have any illness, or are under COVID protocols.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to: Diabetes Canada in Honor of Dean