Giorgio Ventola, age 75, of Chicago, suddenly passed away at sunset on November 10, 2022, surrounded by the love of his adoring wife of 20 years Sarah R. Toulouse, and his cherished daughters Julia (Brian) Zimmerman and Caroline (Jake) Walsh.  Lung cancer was diagnosed just 22 days before his passing. He was determined to fight, but his lungs suddenly failed on the very day he was to start treatment.

Giorgio transitioned to the sun's radiant light and eternal life energy, joining his father Gaetano Ventola, mother Giulia Elena Zucchini, brothers Giovanni and Oreste. Proud "nonno" grandfather of eight-month-old William Morley Zimmerman. The youngest of eight, survived by sisters Laura, Anna, Gina and Maria, and brother Giuseppe Ventola. Endeared uncle of Patrizia Musante, her husband Carlo and twin sons Davide and Fabrio; Paola, Roberta and Luca Musante; Gaetano Nino Ventola, the late Roberta Canevari, Christian Ventola; Enrico and Elena; and Andrea Luca. Son-in-law of Arthur Wielkopolan and the late Rosalie (nee Hoffman).  Beloved brother-in-law of Rebekah (Obadiah) Israel; the late Andrew, and Anthony Wielkopolan. Dear friend of Kathy Schmalen-Abbene, Katherine Gilbert, mother of his daughters Barbara Morley, and so many wonderful people he was grateful to know and love throughout his life.

Giorgio was born in Genova, Italy. He had an adventurous childhood, worked as a butcher from age 12 to 22, and served in the Italian military. He came to the United States in 1976 to earn his bachelor's degree in film and photography at Brooks Institute in California. He followed his dream by opening a professional photography and cinematography studio in Chicago in 1980. He enjoyed great success working with Leo Burnett and other top-tier advertising agencies, as well as legendary retail catalogs including Sears. He instructed photography and studio lighting at Harrington College of Design. With Sarah, they hosted "micro" weddings and private celebrations in their 135-year-old vintage loft in Chicago's River West neighborhood.

Giorgio was extraordinarily creative and a highly intelligent deep thinker. He was passionate about studying esoteric books, astrology, cinema, eclectic music – especially jazz and Frank Zappa, Italy and international travels, Serie A "calcio" Italian soccer league – Genoa and Sampdoria clubs, daily bike rides along Lake Michigan, healthy organic cooking – especially gnocchi pesto, growing plants, and his pets including cats Scura and Chiaroscuro, and bird Saso.

Every morning he made the best pour-over Peruvian coffee and shared whimsical discussions with his wife Sarah. She will always remember his affably charming Leo character, and his stunningly beautiful amber golden eyes.

He was a genuinely curious conversationalist with a magnetic personality that was sweet, calming, cool, humorous, fearless, inspiring and "amoroso." He embraced the power of positive visualization, and conceptualizing goals as though they were already achieved. He focused energy into great efforts to make dreams become reality. He liked projecting a mysterious agelessness, and stayed young in mind, body, and heart. Giorgio is a wholly unique free spirit. His vibrant energy will live on in the hearts of all who love him and were deeply loved by him.

"The Sun is Love, the giver of life. Without it you have nothing, no humanity. It is what we do with that energy that matters." – Giorgio Ventola.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Creativo Loft, 1105 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60642 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Cards and flowers are welcome.

For further information please call 312-421-0936.