Joey Vento, R.I.P.

By Michelle Malkin  •  August 23, 2011 10:34 PM

joeyv.jpg

Longtime readers know I’m a Philadelphia-born foodie with a soft spot not just for any cheese steaks, but for the one and only Geno’s — served up by the bold and brash American patriot Joey Vento.

We’ve covered his battles with politically correct bureaucrats in Philly many times over the years as the son of Italian immigrants demanded his customers order in English. Unbelievably, he faced down a human rights inquisition over his free speech.

Sad news for those of us who cheered his unapologetic demand for assimilation over ethnic tribalism: Vento passed away today at 71 of a massive heart attack

South Philly legend Joey Vento, who opened Geno’s Steaks at 9th and Passyunk in 1966, died today of a massive heart attack. Vento was 71.

“We’re a little tragic here right now,” Vento’s nephew Joseph Perno, manager at Geno’s, said tonight. “We’re doing fine. So far, so good.”

Vento was a controversial figure, perhaps known best for signs at his steak shop requiring customers to order in English that prompted a lawsuit in 2006. Geno’s Steaks also had a longstanding feud with Pat’s King of Steaks, which claims to have invented the cheesesteak in 1933.

Perno, 50, said Vento had come to work this morning. When Perno came in for his night shift, he found out that Vento had suffered a fatal heart attack. “He was here every morning,” Perno said. “He was here this morning. He was dedicated to his business and his family.”

A Philly patriot, small businessman, and champion of assimilation. His spirit won’t be forgotten!

***

Flashback: Vento taking on open-borders Geraldo…

***
Previous:

Joey Vento takes on the cowards
A win for Geno’s
“This is America. When ordering, speak English.”
The attack on Geno’s
Geno’s says: Speak English

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Comments


  1. #1
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 10:39 pm, coffee said:

    That is a loss. RIP sir.

  2. #2
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 10:44 pm, bjc said:

    *Sorry to hear that; He was a great American, and 100% right about the language, and always will be!
    *Even sadder to see his face on the same page with an advocacy pimp for illegal alien amnesty; Black and white, right and wrong, no truer contrast to be found in America today!

  3. #3
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 10:50 pm, happyscrapper said:

    Vento…Rivera. The good die young and the creeps live on. There is no justice in this world.

    Rest in Peace, Joey Vento…a True American Patriot!

  4. #4
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 10:51 pm, poppop said:

    Good and true American.Whenever I am in Philly, I will go to Geno’s.God bless him,his family,and the USA.

  5. #5
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 10:57 pm, peteee said:

    a sorta simalar story, as my oma(grandmother) passed earlier this year, one week short of her 92nd birthday. on her last job in the 80′s some girls told her, hey let us teach you spanish, so you can talk to us. my grandmother told her, i was born in hungary, and was kicked out, and sent to germany. nobody spoke hungarian there, so she learned german. she did not like germany, so she waited in line for eight years to come to the usa. once here, nobody wanted to speak hungarain or german, so she learned english. she told this story to the spanish speakers, and told them, if i can learn english, so can you.

  6. #6
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 10:58 pm, Barb said:

    True Americans proud of their country are disappearing. He was right at the top fighting for what he believed. Making it easier for all those who follow wanting Americans to love America

  7. #7
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 10:58 pm, thutmose18 said:

    How do you order food if you can’t speak English?

  8. #8
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 11:00 pm, OK_Loyalist said:

    Geraldo needs to stick to safe cracking!

    God bless the PATRIOT AMERICAN, Joey Vento

  9. #9
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 11:06 pm, OK_Loyalist said:

    On August 23rd, 2011 at 10:58 pm, thutmose18 said:

    By number …

    May I help you…

    Si…

    #2

    Would you like a hot apple pie with that?

    ¡Eso es un fargin’ pregunta con trampa! ….

  10. #10
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 11:11 pm, Wayfaring Stranger said:

    On August 23rd, 2011 at 10:44 pm, bjc said:

    …Even sadder to see his face on the same page with an advocacy pimp for illegal alien amnesty…

    +100

    We need more proud Americans like Joey Vento. Prayers for the family, friends and co-workers he’s left behind.

  11. #11
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 11:16 pm, OK_Loyalist said:

    On August 23rd, 2011 at 11:11 pm, Wayfaring Stranger said:

    I always liked your moniker …

    I assume from …. this great cover

  12. #12
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 11:17 pm, madmonkphotog said:

    I’ve never been to Philly or had one of his sammiches, but this saddens me.

    God welcomes him home and comforts his family.

  13. #13
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 11:31 pm, rambler said:

    He will be missed.

  14. #14
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 11:38 pm, StewartIII said:

    A TRULY GREAT AMERICAN.

  15. #15
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 11:42 pm, Green eyed Lady said:

    According to Geno’s website, “He figured that if he was going to sell a steak, he had to be where they were already eating them…at the “X” shaped intersection of 9th & Passyunk in South Philadelphia…Joe started “Geno’s” with $6.00 in his pocket, 2 boxes of steaks and some hot dogs.”
    ***

    Late Tuesday night, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter issued a statement on the passing of Vento.

    “Joey Vento was a colorful, larger than life Philadelphian who loved his city and excelled as a businessman. Mr. Vento had strongly held views that were matched by a commendable desire to give back to his community,” Nutter said.
    ***

    So sad. Great guy, proud American, Tea Party fan…he will be missed.
    Thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and employees.

  16. #16
    On August 23rd, 2011 at 11:44 pm, xplodeit said:

    RIP Joey

  17. #17
    On August 24th, 2011 at 12:18 am, steveegg said:

    When I make it to Philly, I’ll have to stop at Geno’s and have 2 cheesesteaks.

    RIP Joey.

  18. #18
    On August 24th, 2011 at 12:52 am, greenfairie said:

    God is enjoying one of Geno’s cheesesteaks now. RIP Mr. Vento.

  19. #19
    On August 24th, 2011 at 1:09 am, Azygos said:

    Prayers for his family.

  20. #20
    On August 24th, 2011 at 1:59 am, mattm said:

    RIP, you will be missed. A real American success story.

  21. #21
    On August 24th, 2011 at 2:04 am, OK_Loyalist said:

    Here is another American hero… h/t Doug Powers

    http://dougpowers.com/2011/08/23/mans-best-friend-americas-finest/

  22. #22
    On August 24th, 2011 at 2:28 am, Hiraghm said:

    I hate that s.o.b. with a passion.

    No, Gerry, you don’t love America. You went to Iraq 9 times. So what, you’re a reporter, not a soldier! And you got thrown out for not following the rules and revealing too much information.

    Geraldo belongs behind bars. The second before Roy Innis began throttling that Metzger kid, Geraldo can clearly be heard saying, “Go for it”. The Metzger kid was arguing reasonably, making his case, which isn’t want Geraldo wanted.
    The second Innis stood over the kid, security should have stepped in. But, Innis began throttling the kid, which, where I come from is attempted murder. At the very least assault and battery. And Geraldo egged him into doing it, which is some kind of solicitation or incitement. Geraldo belongs behind bars, not on Fox news.

    He wasn’t acting like a tough guy, Gerry. He’s what we, in the old days used to call “a man”. Not a loud mouth (censored) punk with a hairy lip.

    How many wives you gone through, Gerry? How many you suppose Joey’s had?

    It’s sad, at a time when the world needs more men, we lose Joey Vento :(
    And that America-hating scumbag goes on and gets rich doing it.

  23. #23
    On August 24th, 2011 at 3:20 am, Bob Mc said:

    I saw him just tonight on Travel channel’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”.

    What a shame. My prayers are with the Vento family tonight.

    God Bless this great American entrepreneur.

    Our country can’t afford to lose men of the charecter and caliber of Joey Vento.

    R.I.P.

  24. #24
    On August 24th, 2011 at 4:36 am, BB said:

    I’d click, but I don’t wanna deal with the spitting.

  25. #25
    On August 24th, 2011 at 6:50 am, zorro said:

    Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord,
    And let Perpetual Light shine upon him.
    May his Soul
    And the Souls of all the faithful departed
    Through the Mercy of God
    Rest in Peace.
    Amen.

  26. #26
    On August 24th, 2011 at 6:53 am, zorro said:

    As for that tabloid host Geraldo (no, he’s not even a real reporter), I suggest he and Jerry Springer retire from the air and just open a mud wrestling gym or something…

  27. #27
    On August 24th, 2011 at 7:29 am, beachmom said:

    :(

  28. #28
    On August 24th, 2011 at 8:08 am, plymouthacclaim said:

    I got to meet the legendary Mr. Vento on a business trip to Philly.

    I had some time, so I decided to go get a Geno’s cheesesteak thanks to our Hostess’ recommendation.
    I was lucky to arrive at a time when the store wasn’t busy at all, so I actually got to chat with Mr. Vento briefly and take my picture with him. He gave me a souvenir pen. I still have it.

  29. #29
    On August 24th, 2011 at 8:08 am, plymouthacclaim said:

    I got to meet the legendary Mr. Vento on a business trip to Philly.

    I had some time, so I decided to go get a Geno’s cheesesteak thanks to our Hostess’ recommendation.
    I was lucky to arrive at a time when the store wasn’t busy at all, so I actually got to chat with Mr. Vento briefly and take my picture with him. He gave me a souvenir pen. I still have it.

  30. #30
    On August 24th, 2011 at 8:09 am, plymouthacclaim said:

    I got to meet the legendary Mr. Vento on a business trip to Philly.

    I had some time, so I decided to go get a Geno’s cheesesteak thanks to our Hostess’ recommendation.
    I was lucky to arrive at a time when the store wasn’t busy at all, so I actually got to chat with Mr. Vento briefly and take my picture with him. He gave me a souvenir pen. I still have it.
    Rest in Peace, Mr. Vento.

  31. #31
    On August 24th, 2011 at 8:24 am, jennlaw said:

    As a former resident of Philly, I can’t tell you how sad this makes me. Joey was a true class act, made the best steaks in Philly (which is no small feat- lotsa competition) and a great American. I’m sad for all of you who never got a chance to meet the man himself. Rest assured, those still at Geno’s will continue his legacy.

    Rest in Peace, Joey and thanks.

  32. #32
    On August 24th, 2011 at 8:37 am, plymouthacclaim said:

    My apologies for the triple post. *stupid app*

  33. #33
    On August 24th, 2011 at 8:56 am, Darthnoob said:

    God Speed Joey.

    They’re all having cheese steaks in Heaven today.

  34. #34
    On August 24th, 2011 at 9:40 am, FirstSkirt said:

    I was aware of Joey Vento from a Newsmax blog item and admired his fight against political correctness. If I’m ever in Philly, I’ll make it a point to get to Geno’s.
    Prayers to the Vento family.

  35. #35
    On August 24th, 2011 at 9:43 am, RedDog said:

    God bless Joey’s family. They helped make America what it is. Stay strong Vento family, be blessed…

  36. #36
    On August 24th, 2011 at 9:51 am, MonoPed said:

    Godspeed, buddy, Godspeed…

  37. #37
    On August 24th, 2011 at 10:06 am, Drkmagneto said:

    Sadly, I never got to meet the legendary Joey Vento, someone who loved this country with all his heart. He knew, that blendong into this “Melting Pot” was necessary if you truly wanted to be an “American”, and never forgot his heritage. God Bless you Joey! RIP American Patriot!! You will be missed!

  38. #38
    On August 24th, 2011 at 10:36 am, Truesoldier said:

    Joey Vento knew what it meant to truly be an American. From understanding what it meant to truly be a “melting pot” society (taking all the great things of ones culture and blending it into Americana)to living the American dream of running a successful business and being self sufficient. America will truly miss you Mr. Vento.

  39. #39
    On August 24th, 2011 at 10:42 am, Jvette said:

    On August 24th, 2011 at 3:20 am, Bob Mc said:

    Our country can’t afford to lose men of the charecter and caliber of Joey Vento

    I hope that his children and grandchildren learned from him what it means to be an American.

    He seemed to be an ALL AMERICAN patriot.

    Prayers for him and his family.

  40. #40
    On August 24th, 2011 at 11:19 am, tre said:

    In Heaven, everyone speaks the same language.
    Say “Howdy” to George Washington for us.

  41. #41
    On August 24th, 2011 at 11:33 am, 1ConcernedMom said:

    May he rest in peace. Dear Heavenly Father, please comfort his family and give them peace. Help them to feel your presence. Amen.

  42. #42
    On August 24th, 2011 at 11:34 am, rightwingrocker said:

    Joey would have been a great candidate for POTUS.

    Just sayin’

    RWR
    http://www.rightwingrocker.com

  43. #43
    On August 24th, 2011 at 11:34 am, conservative hispanic said:

    Joey:

    You reflected my own point of view perfectly. You will be missed.

  44. #44
    On August 24th, 2011 at 11:38 am, rightwingrocker said:

    “Joey Vento was a colorful, larger than life Philadelphian who loved his city and excelled as a businessman. Mr. Vento had strongly held views that were matched by a commendable desire to give back to his community,” Nutter said.

    This coming from a guy who stood fast against Joey.

    Spare us your crocodile tears, Mikey. You remind me of a certain band member at the Pendergrass funeral.

    PHHT.

    RWR
    http://www.rightwingrocker.com

  45. #45
    On August 24th, 2011 at 11:43 am, mholland1 said:

    Who is gerry rivers?

  46. #46
    On August 24th, 2011 at 11:48 am, letget said:

    I have never had a cheesesteak but it sounds wonderful. I did admire Joey for sticking to his belief in our country to order in English at his business. I saw him several times on Cavuto on Fox.

    RIP, Joey and may God comfort your family.
    L

  47. #47
    On August 24th, 2011 at 11:59 am, hawkeye54 said:

    The good die young and the creeps live on.

    The good are young in mind, spirit and actions, which keeps them young at any age…..creeps not so much….live on like the zombies they are.

    May he rest in peace. Dear Heavenly Father, please comfort his family and give them peace. Help them to feel your presence. Amen.

    Ditto, that.

  48. #48
    On August 24th, 2011 at 12:06 pm, EROWMER said:

    Joey, I’ve never been to Philly, never ate at your place, but you are a bruddah.

  49. #49
    On August 24th, 2011 at 12:28 pm, GladzKravtz said:

    If any of Joey’s family is reading these comments please know that I/we will miss him and admire how he stood up for something he (we) believe(d) is right.

    I pray the story of Joey and Genos lives on to inspire others to fight for America in their own way.

  50. #50
    On August 24th, 2011 at 12:33 pm, dan708 said:

    Mr. Vento,

    You fought the good fight, sir. I never had the chance to visit your stand, but I still thank you for taking a non-PC stand.

  51. #51
    On August 24th, 2011 at 1:17 pm, love2rumba said:

    Vento…Rivera. The good die young and the creeps live on. There is no justice in this world.

    Ain’t that the truth!

  52. #52
    On August 24th, 2011 at 1:22 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    thutmose18 said:

    How do you order food if you can’t speak English?

    wit or witout I think, and neither is English.

  53. #53
    On August 24th, 2011 at 1:23 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    OK_Loyalist said:

    Geraldo needs to stick to safe cracking!

    And pretending to dodge bullets in the Middle East. He’s the same kind of affirmative action Harvard fraud Obama is.

  54. #54
    On August 24th, 2011 at 1:28 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Saw this gentleman on TV yesterday, maybe it was a tribute. He said Pat’s chops up their rib eye, but theirs is whole. “The animal comes to us dead already” he said, “we don’t need to beat it to death.” (Maybe slightly paraphrased.

  55. #55
    On August 24th, 2011 at 2:06 pm, GrnHornet said:

    Joey was a Tea Partier before there was a Tea Party. A true American! RIP

  56. #56
    On August 24th, 2011 at 7:18 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

    I was raised on Geno’s cheese steaks as a kid and teenager in Philly. I am going out there in October and will most certainly order a provolone steak “wit”. Maybe two… of course in English.

  57. #57
    On August 24th, 2011 at 7:21 pm, letget said:

    Cavuto had a memorial on his show today. Joey had been on his show since 2006 and numerous times since. A true American you were Joey.
    L

  58. #58
    On August 24th, 2011 at 7:53 pm, StewartIII said:
  59. #59
    On August 25th, 2011 at 8:57 am, tiredofit2012 said:

    RIP Joey…a true AMERICAN PATRIOT!

    My condolences to the family. He will be remembered.

  60. #60
    On August 25th, 2011 at 9:26 pm, rightisright said:

    condolences to the family, may they find comfort with God at this time.
    Joey was a true American, the type that made America the greatest country in the history of mankind.

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