The Hollywood Fruit & Vegetable Market at 555-559 Myrtle Avenue, as seen in 1980.

It is with sadness that we share with the neighborhood news of the passing of long-time Myrtle Avenue resident, merchant, and active community member Tony Venezia. Many in the neighborhood will remember Tony, and his family, as the operators of Hollywood Fruit & Vegetable Market at 555 Myrtle Avenue, between Emerson & Classon. Mr. Venezia was 89 years old.

For over 70 years, Hollywood’s was a popular fixture on Myrtle Avenue. The produce market – founded by Tony’s parents – began serving Clinton Hill residents in 1935 and closed in 2007. Shortly after, Tony undertook a restoration project at his property, which beautifully restored the historic buildings’ facades and storefronts. Today, these spaces are home to Leisure Life NYC and BKG Coffee Roasters.

A visitation will be held at Frederick Funeral Home in Queens on Saturday, January 20, 2018 and Sunday, January 21, 2018 from 2-5 and 7-9pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 22, 2018 at St. Robert Bellarmine RC Church, 9:45 am, in Bayside.

We consider ourselves fortunate in having had the opportunity to know and work with Tony over the years and we are keeping his family in our thoughts and prayers.

A full obituary can be viewed here.

Before and After photo of 555-559 Myrtle Avenue, as seen in 2009 and 2012.