In Memoriam: John A. Veneris, CRB, CRS, past president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® passed away on April 2, 2010. John was broker-owner of Realty Executives Pro/Team in Downers Grove. He was deeply committed to volunteering within the REALTOR® Association serving in many capacities at the local, state and national level. He served as president of the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® and in 2005 was president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS®. He was named the 2009 IAR REALTOR® of the Year, an award given annually to a member who best exemplifies the professional qualities of a REALTOR® in the areas of leadership and civic, community and charitable causes.

With a career spanning more than 32 years, John lent his expertise to many areas of the association including leadership development, technology, real estate finance, license law issues and advocacy for private property rights for the real estate industry. He led by example and was a four-time “Golden R” for the REALTORS® Political Action Committee and a member of the National Association of REALTORS® RPAC Hall of Fame.

“John will be missed greatly by many REALTORS® who worked closely with him on projects and programs for the REALTOR® Association. His influence was felt at all levels of the REALTOR® Association at the local, state and national level,” said Michael Onorato, president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS®. “His service to the REALTOR® Association had no boundaries—he was a consensus builder and a dedicated leader to our industry and touched the hearts of many.”

John served in key posts for the National Association of REALTORS® including as a member of the Public Policy Coordinating Committee, REALTORS® Political Involvement Committee, Executive Committee and as a past chairman of the Conventional Finance and Lending Committee. In 2008, John served as NAR Regional Vice President for District 7 representing the states of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.

Active in community affairs, Veneris served as a director of the Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce and active with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Our deepest sympathy to his wife Dee and sons T. J. and Nick (Jennifer).

Funeral Services are as follows: Visitation is Tuesday, April 6th, 3:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Adams, Winterfield and Sullivan, 4343 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Funeral services are Wednesday, April 7th at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Church, 15101 S. 80th Avenue in Orland Park. Burial is at Interment Bronswood Cemetery, Oak Brook. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the American Cancer Society, 1801 S. Meyers Road, Suite 100, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181.