Dr. Ferdinand LaVenuta
April 15, 1939 ~ August 25, 2026
Resided in: Fargo, North Dakota
Fred’s service will be livestreamed and viewable below starting at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026:
Ferdinand “Fred” LaVenuta, age 87, of Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Fargo.
Fred was born on April 15, 1939, in Brooklyn, NY, to Benevenuto and Roslyn (Babkes) LaVenuta. He grew up in New York and went on to pursue a career in medicine, earning his Bachelor of Science degree from New York University and his medical degree from Flower Fifth Avenue Medical School in New York. Following his internship at Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, Fred completed his residency in Ear, Nose, and Throat at New York Hospital in New York City. He became a licensed physician and was board certified in Ear, Nose, and Throat.
Fred proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to the USS Sanctuary, a hospital ship, where he served a 12-month tour. He completed his military service at the rank of Full Commander.
In 1972, Fred joined Dakota Clinic (now Essentia Health) as a full attending physician specializing in Ear, Nose, and Throat. He dedicated more than three decades to caring for his patients and serving his medical community, retiring in 2004. During his career, he also served as Chief of Staff at Dakota Clinic.
On July 3, 1965, Fred married the love of his life, Erin Beary. Together, they built a life filled with family, love, and many wonderful memories. Fred was a devoted husband and father, and his family was a very important part of his life.
Outside of medicine, Fred had many interests that reflected his curious and creative nature. He enjoyed working with computer hardware and technology, metal machining, hunting, reading, and watching old movies. He was someone who enjoyed learning, creating, and exploring the things that interested him.
He is survived by his wife Erin; daughter Elizabeth LaVenuta and her spouse Elroy Lindquist; nephew Emilio Coppola; and niece Danielle Coppola Cruz.
He is preceded in death by his parents Benevenuto and Roslyn; and sister Gail LaVenuta Coppola.
Fred’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate and wonderful staff of HIA Hospice and Heather’s House. Their kindness, care, and support meant so much to Fred and his family during his final days.
Memorials may be directed to HIA Hospice in Fred’s memory.
Fred will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former colleagues, and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his years as a physician, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Services
Funeral Mass: Thursday, August 27, 2026 2:00 pm
Holy Spirit Catholic Church Fargo, ND
1420 7th St N
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
(701) 232-5900
https://holyspiritfargo.com/
Visitation: Thursday, August 27, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Holy Spirit Catholic Church Fargo, ND
1420 7th St N
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
(701) 232-5900
https://holyspiritfargo.com/
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Dr. Ferdinand LaVenuta 's name.
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Oh, Liz…I just read the notice of you father’s passing. I’m so sorry and will be thinking of you and your mom these coming days as you grieve and celebrate his full and giving life.
I extend my sympathy to his wife and daughter and family. Dr LaVenuta treated both myself and my husband for skin cancer on our face. He was very kind man and had a great sense of humor. He will surely be missed by many former patients and his family and friends.
Erin and Elizabeth please know we are keeping you both in our thoughts and prayers. I have so many wonderful memories of out trips to Las Vegas. He was a wonderful friend. Hugs to you. Please let us know if you need anything. Sherrie and Jeff
Erin and family: So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. A great Doctor, and a great Man! Will miss him.
Lee Hofsommer
He was the best!
So caring with my kids.
Wonderful person and physician.
My prayers and sympathies on the loss of Fred. He was such a wonderful guy. So easy to talk to and such a great person. I loved working with him. I knew if I sent patients to him, they would get excellent care. Remember, Fred always loved his family. Take care, Janet Tillisch
So sorry Erin and Elizabeth to hear of Fred’s passing. He was a great person, doctor and wonderful role model for me. He will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
When I was 16, I was grounded and forced to tag along on my parents’ trip to Vegas. Being a teenager there was no fun, and that was the first time I ever met Fred and Erin, who were friends of my Aunt Chuck and Uncle BJ. To make me feel included, Fred and Erin took me shopping at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. We had the best time, and they even bought me a pair of Armani socks—I thought I was the coolest kid alive. Nearly thirty years later, at 45, that day remains one of my fondest childhood memories. Thank you both for your incredible kindness and generosity. Fred, you will be so deeply missed.
Deepest sympathy to Erin on the passing of wonderful Fred. Elaine and I stand with you in support.
Sympathy to Erin, Liz & Elroy and extended family. Fred was such an interesting man: accomplished, reserved, maybe?? a little stubborn, proud and certainly caring. Family was so important to Fred and, Erin, the loved you shared shined brightly. May the memories bring you comfort. Fred will be missed. Donna & Roger
Erin,
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Fred was such a sweet man and awesome doctor. He will be truly missed.
Dr. Lavenuta took my tonsils out and provided such great care and compassion – always calm and reassuring. I also worked at Dakota Hospital and he was so kind and to all staff and patients. He took time to get to know people and spread sunshine along his way. God bless his memory.
Fred would come to the Dr.’s lounge, sit, change to his reading glasses, pick up the paper, and start a conversation about a very interesting topic. Knowledgeable, kind, and caring. Prone to nosebleeds, he shared with me his nose cream concoction that is still used by many. My sympathies to Erin and Elizabeth.
Such a wonderful man.
Fred was a wonderful doctor, colleague, and friend. We went together through all the highs and lows of practice, health, and life. Erin and Elizabeth, we share your sorrow and wish you God’s peace in this very difficult time.
Erin, so sorry to learn of Fred’s passing. Awesome man & colleague. Great physician & surgeon. Grateful to have had him as my doc. Great memories. Another of the “ old guard” gone. He is missed. Disappointed can’t be there for his funeral. Will keep you in our prayers. Jim & Sally Wagner
Liz,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you, your Mom and all who loved Dr. LaVenuta.
I started my 48.5 year career in 1975 in the Dakota Hospital building and have many happy memories of our staff…Dr. Lavenuta was not only a very compassionate, friendly, caring physician but a part of a “DH family”…he always had time for a conversation. He also was my 10 month old daughter’s surgeon which was the first of our 3 children to have surgery and he treated me as a nervous mom instead of a nurse and I so appreciated that!!! Prayers to you two precious ladies in his life…I never met you but he frequently mentioned you in conversations!! RIP DR. Lavenuta!!!
Appreciated the opportunity my Family Medicine Residency years in Fargo to train under Dr. LaVenuta and eventually became a Dakota clinic partner in Family Medicine Detroit Lakes. Many blessed with his compassion, skill and hard dedicated work.
Dr. Paul Hendrickson
Erin and family,
I am so very sorry to hear about Fred. Always enjoyed running into him in the doctors’ lounge, he was always a wealth of information pouring over the Forum spread out over the table catching up om daily news.
Reminiscing over “old days at Dakota Clinic” at the Village Inn with a couple other colleagues was an annual event for a while. Always good to rehash good times with old friends/colleagues.
Prayers for you and your family. May the many wonderful memories bring you all comfort in the days ahead.
Robert Startz
I was very saddened to hear of Doc’s passing. He was a fine man, a true gentleman of the first order, and a man for all seasons. I will miss him. God bless you and all of you family.
My thoughts and prayers to the family of Dr LaVenuta. I remember walking in to Dakota Hospital many many years ago with my mom for some surgery he would do on me and he had such a calming voice as he told me I would be alright. Thank you for your great bedside manner AND for your service. May you rest in peace.
Erin, Sorry to learn of your lose. Hugs and prayers during this time of transition.