Mr. Fred R. Valenti

Mr. Fred R. Valenti, age 90, of New Hartford, was reunited with his wife when he passed away on Friday, February 26, 2016 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on February 6, 1926, Fred was the son of the late Giovanni “John” and Immaculate (Russo) Valenti. He attended T.R. Proctor High School, and then Fred enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country with honor. A World War II veteran, Fred was stationed aboard the USS Murphy and participated in the landing at Normandy. He was awarded several commendations for his valor. On April 26, 1947 he married his soul mate and the love of his life, at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, the former Theresa Ann DelGenis with whom he shared 62 years until her passing on January 21, 2011. Fred worked at the Park Outdoor Billboard and Advertising Company for 20 years. He later held a position at the Daniel’s Building Supply Lumber Yard. His employment path then led him to a 30-year career as a sales associate at the Jay-K Lumber Company where he valued his co-workers and customers throughout the years. It was the position from which he retired. A humble, capable, independent man, Fred was strong in constitution and gentle in nature. He was truly a man of his generation. He was a devoted husband, loving father, caring grandfather, and proud great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He had a unique sense of humor, but was serious when it came to putting others before himself. Fred was blessed with the skills of a master carpenter and was knowledgeable of the building trade. In February of 1960, he completed the construction of his family home, a challenge that he carried out on his own, from the ground up. During his younger years, he was quite an athlete and an accomplished baseball player once scouted by the professional leagues. In later years, he enjoyed bowling and rarely missed a Yankee game. He was a member of the New Hartford American Legion Post #1376 and a parishioner and usher of St. Thomas Church. Fred is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Judy and William Tracey, Sr. of Colorado; his son and daughter-in-law, Fred A. and JoAnn Valenti of Marcy; his grandchildren, Lynn Howard and fiance Derek Powell, William, Jr. and Sally Tracey, Fred and Kristi Tracey, Scott and Christine Tracey. He played an instrumental role in the upbringing of his youngest grandchildren, Christina Valenti and Michael Valenti. He also leaves 15 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. As one of twelve siblings, Fred is survived by his brother, Joseph Valenti of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Victoria Argen, Josephine Polak, Angela Jweid; and his best friend and casino buddy, Tony DelGenis. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Daniel and Rosemary Valenti, Dominick Valenti, Eugene Valenti, Biase “John” Valenti, James Valenti, and Anthony Valenti; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Marie Rose and Gerardo Durso, Carmella Dubeck, Antoinette Vitale, Josephine and Joseph DiNigro; and his in-laws, Gloria and Joseph Dragotto, Joseph DelGenis, Louis Jweid, Edward Polak, and Elizabeth DelGenis. The family is thankful for the kindness and compassion of all Fred’s caregivers at the St. Luke’s Home and the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center; and the pastoral care provided by Rev. Mark Pasik. In keeping with his wishes, Fred’s family will honor and celebrate his life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Fred’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 11:30 at St. Thomas Church in New Hartford where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. David Sears. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Please consider memorial donations to Feed Our Vets; envelopes will be available at the service or online at http://www.feedourvets.org. Committal service with Military Honors conferred will take place graveside at Calvary Cemetery with Interment to follow.

Mr. Fred R. Valenti

February 6, 1926 - February 26, 2016