Walter John Valenti

Walter John Valenti 91 of Rockford loving husband, beloved father, nono and big nano. Passed away after a 1 ½ year illness on July 18, 2014. Born August 30, 1922 in Rockford, Illinois, one of eight children of Dima and Josephine (Ferro) Valenti. Married Bess M. Buttice on February 9, 1947 in St. Anthony Church. Graduated from Rockford Central High School Class of 1940. Served in the US Navy (1943-46) as a Signalman in the South Pacific during WWII. Walt worked as a machinist at Barnes Drill for 7 years and Greenlee Bros. for 35 years retiring in 1984. Member of St. Anthony Church Young Seniors, Holy Name Society, Greenlee Retiree Group, and IAM-AW Local 1553. Walt loved family gatherings, sports (Cubs and Bears), golfing, bowling, gardening, traveling and playing cards. He was extremely neat and organized and kept his house, car, garage, workshop, and tools immaculate.
He was devoted to his wife of 67 years, Bess, and his family. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Walt is survived by his wife Bess, three children, David (Margo) Valenti, JoAnn Pazera, Diane (Mike) Cascio, five grandchildren, Dr. Nicholas Valenti, Paul Valenti, Jeffery (Heather) Pazera, Andrea (Chad) Eschen, Matthew (Michelle) Cascio, three great grandchildren, Ava Pazera, Ashlee Jarvi, Zac Jarvi. Predeceased by parents, brothers Vito and Anthony, sisters Mayme Galluzzo, Mondo Galluzzo, Rose Valenti, Mary Valenti and Pauline Montalbano. Special thanks to OSF Hospice, especially Michelle and Marilyn.
Funeral Mass at 10am Thursday July 24, 2014 in St Anthony of Padua Church with the Franciscan Friars officiating. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 5pm until 7pm Wednesday July 23, 2014 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home 1860 S. Mulford Road. Visitation also from 9am until 9:45 Thursday in the church. Memorials to the family. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com