Mr. Valentin Colon

November 14, 1930 - August 2, 2020

UTICA - Mr. Valentin Colon, age 89, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020 in the comfort and dignity of his home with his loving family by his side. Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico on November 14, 1930, Valentin was the son of the late Margaro and Manuela Colon. Raised and educated in Puerto Rico, he came to the United States in 1959. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he honorably served his country from 1951-1953 stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. At one time he was wed to Doris Fuentes up until her passing. He shared in a second devoted union with Rosita Gonzalez beginning in 1955, a very loving relationship of 64 years. A multi-tasker and steadfast laborer, Valentine held many positions locally throughout the years. He was lastly employed with Tri-State Industrial Laundry. A very giving man, he humbly put the needs of others before of his own. He was also a wise man, and many will remember the narrative of his life that he would recall and recount to friends and family. He loved to play dominoes, was a wiz at solving crossword puzzles, toured the area for any local baseball games, and traveled, especially during his retirement years. Valentin was one of the finest men you could ever meet. He was very religious and practiced what he preached. He was honest and kind, and had a story about his life for anyone that wanted to listen. He also was a very humble man, he never asked for anything but appreciated everything. He was so devoted to baseball that one time when he wanted to go to the Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown but they were out of tickets, He and his son saw kids sneaking in through the fence so they followed them. They snuck under the bleachers and popped out on the other side and watch the whole game for free! Valentin was a devout, faithful member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church where he had the privilege of serving as a Deacon and an Elder of the church. Valentin is survived by his spouse, Rosita; his sons and daughters-in-law, Anibal and Maria Colon, Noel and Ginny Colon, and the memory of his son Alexis Colon who passed in 1984. Surviving also are his daughter-in-law, Linda Colon; his grandchildren, Joseph and Anne Colon, Karissa Colon and their mother Eileen Angelico, Alexis Colon, and twins, Carlos Colon, and Marcos Colon; Jonathan and Tiffany Colon, Jessica and Michael Tucker, and Nathaniel and Kaylee Colon; 9 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws Adela Heredia, Carmen Millet, and Casilda Gonzalez; and friends. He was predeceased by his 8 siblings. The family extends their gratitude to the Veterans Hospital staff for their care and compassion for Valentin; the staff of the Masonic Home Dialysis Center for their great care; his niece, Antonia Cardona for her loving care; and the entire congregation at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church for their loving support and spiritual solace. Visitation will be held Friday from 10:30-12:00 noon at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Due to current restrictions, we will be operating at a reduced occupancy. We ask for your patience as we try to accommodate those coming to support the Colon family. Please follow our staff’s guidance when you arrive. Face coverings are required and contact tracing will be implemented. Valentin’s graveside funeral service and Interment with Military Honors conferred will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery Please take a moment to connect with Valentin’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary. Our prayers continue to go out to all as a sign of our continued support.