Valentino, Alfredo
August 5, 1930 - May 10, 2010
A true jazzman in every sense of the word and a passionate patron of the arts, Alfredo Valentino finished his transition onto his next great journey on May 10, 2010 in Aptos, California, surrounded by his devoted loved ones. He is preceded by his wife of 17 years, Neddi Valentino, who passed in 1970, Helen Sheats, his subsequent partner who passed in 1999, and his oldest daughter, Denise Valentino-Hibbitt, who passed in 2004. He is survived by four siblings: Alvaro Valentino, Pedro Valentino, Maria Kelly, and Henriquetta Casarez; as well as his seven children: Christina Valentino Houlemard, Nicole Valentino, Miles Valentino, Sabott Ali, Dominga Valentino, Allegra Valentino, and Josette Valentino. He had fifteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Alfredo Valentino was born in Venice, California and resided in California for most of his life. As a young man, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country in the Korean War, for which he was awarded a Purple Heart. Soon after, he met and married Neddi Mitchell, and the two became devoted "children of the 60s". They embraced a philosophy and lifestyle of love, creativity, eccentricity, and social change, and were passionate artists, activists, and advocates for the marginalized. Always learning, growing, and traveling throughout the world, Alfredo grew into the very embodiment of the "self-actualized" man, and as a loving and nurturing patriarch, shared his values with his children, friends and new acquaintances, many of whom make up his large extended family.
He lived a full and truly unequaled life; one that far exceeds the constraint of words. He will be dearly missed and always remembered fondly, and his true legacy is the everlasting love and devotion of his children and his commitment to family.
At Alfredo's request, funeral services will not be held. In lieu of flowers or condolence gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the Tony Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Santa Cruz Community Foundation, or to Hospice of Santa Cruz County.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 4, 2010
Josette,
I see the spirit of Alfredo in you every day. Tom and I send you a heartfelt condolence and express gratitude of that you share with us.
Love Jeanette
June 1, 2010
David Young
My condolences to the Valentino family.
Alfredo Valentino, mi compadre. I cherish your company, wisdom and compassion. Thank you Alfredo.
May 19, 2010
Josette,
I am thinking of you... I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He was truly amazing. I know his memories will help you during this very difficult time.
Wishing you much peace and comfort,
Love, Sandra Fukuhara
May 16, 2010
Stefan Valentino
Words can't express our saddness when we heard that Alfredo would not share time with us any longer. We are thankful for the times we shared with him and look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Our love goes out to you and we pray for your comfort and strength through this difficult time,
All our love,
Stefan, Marilyn
Stefany & Anthony
May 14, 2010
Kim and Eric Friedli
Josette and family:
What a special father, brother and friend Alfredo must have been. Our thoughts are with you.
Eric and Kim Friedli
May 14, 2010
Josette and family,
I am sorry for your loss. May God comfort you at this time. Please know that you and your family are being lift up in prayer. Always treasure the moments you shared with your Father and remember the good times you shared together. I give thanks to God for you being able to be there when your Father died. Closure is very important. Much love and may God Blessed you in your time of need.
Yours truly,
Donna Kirvin, Seattle, WA
May 14, 2010
Barb Wade
Valentino family, Many, many thoughts and prayers are being sent your way during this difficult time. XOXOXO,
May 14, 2010
Margarite Hargrave
Josette -- My thoughts are with you during this time of grieving. Your father will always be a part of you. Its just tough when the time comes to say good bye and your loved is no longer there to say a hello and share your daily story. Take care of yourself.
May 14, 2010
Trevor Gregg
Please know my thoughts and wishes for comfort and joy for the life your father had and the obvious love that surrounded him. I will be thinking about you and your family during this difficult time. All my love.
May 14, 2010
August Drake-Ericson
Josette, I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
May 14, 2010
Susan Walls
My heart goes out to you Josette. Your father was a man of grace and a significant loss to mankind but he lives on in the hearts of your dear family and all those fortunate to have known him.
Love and peace to you dear Josette.
May 13, 2010
Josette and family,
Linda and I send our love to you and your family. Alfredo was truly a one-of-a-kind individual who was extremely fortunate to have you (and Denise) in his life. See you when we return. Ken
May 13, 2010
Mary Alderete
May the love that surrounds you be a source of comfort during this time. Although we know that some things are certain, it is still hard to accept.
With deepest sympathy, love and peace.
May 13, 2010
Paula Karlberg
Josette and family. Your father's obituary describes a very special man who was very obviously loved by his family and friends. Even though he's begun a new journey, I know you will all miss him; but I also know that the memories you hold will always be with you and bring you comfort. My deepest sympathy for your grief and loss.
May 13, 2010
I'm sorry for your loss and even though I didn't know the man, I know Josette. I can see the type of man he was through her eyes. God bless.
May 13, 2010
Adrienne Caver-Hall
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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