Jorge Ventura

Jorge Ventura was born in Painho, in the municipality of Cadaval, into a large and well-known family nicknamed the "Cheira." At the age of ten, he moved with his parents to Caldas da Rainha, where he completed his industrial studies. A talented athlete in his youth, he played competitive football for Futebol Clube das Caldas starting at age 13 and was an active member of the Mocidade Portuguesa until he was 18. At 19, he volunteered for the Army Commandos in Lamego, and in 1969, he was deployed to Angola as a militia marine commando. He completed the final phase of his operational training in the field and served for three years with the 22nd Commando Company. It was in Luanda that he married his lifelong companion of 52 years, Alda Ventura, with whom he began his family.

In 1974, Jorge emigrated to the United States with his family, settling first in Newark before moving to Rahway, where he has resided for more than 30 years. He is the proud father of two children—Ricardo Ventura, a banker in Miami, and Rosemary Ruela, a teacher in Cranford—and a grandfather of four. Professionally, Jorge has spent over three decades with the Seabra Triunfo Group, where he oversees the purchasing and sales department for regional Portuguese and Brazilian products.

Parallel to his career, Jorge has maintained an exceptionally active civic and associative life. He is the founder and 30-year president of the Commando Association, as well as a founder of the Regional Caldense Association. His commitment to the community led to his appointment as a Community Counselor by the Portuguese Ambassador, and he has also served as President of the Newark Lions Club. A founding member of the Luso-American Veterans Monument in Peter Francisco Park, Jorge has been a central figure for over 40 years in organizing Newark’s Portugal Day celebrations, specifically the annual parade. In recognition of his enduring service and dedication, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by the Caldas da Rainha City Council.