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John Valente Obituary
He was born in Valle, Province of Avellino, Italy, January 3, 1944, the son of Vito and Nicoletta (Miele) Valente.
After an early education in Italy, John's family moved to Rutland where he attended Mount St. Joseph Academy, and graduated with the class of 1962. He graduated from Champlain College in Burlington, VT, in 1965 with an accounting degree.
On January 22, 1966, he married Jane (Mazut) Valente of Proctor. They had three daughters. John was a loving and devoted husband and father for 48 years. He was hard working and always put his family first.
John enjoyed golfing. He was a member and sat on the board of directors at the Proctor-Pittsford Country Club for 33 years. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He was a pillar of strength to many people and touched many people's lives. John will best be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and ability to tell a joke, while laughing through the punch line. When John first arrived in Rutland from Italy, he worked at the Midway Diner as a dishwasher and moved up to a cook and eventually a partner in 1988. The patrons and employees of the Midway Diner were very dear to his heart. They were like family.
Surviving is his wife, Jane of Proctor. He is also survived by a daughter, Nicolette Lash and granddaughter, Sylvia Lash of East Middlebury; a daughter, Lisa Blanchard and her husband, Ray, and grandchildren, John, Caroline, and Gabriela of Middletown Springs; and a daughter, Maribeth Valente, and grandchildren, Jazmin and Spencer of Proctor; one brother, Pasquale Valente of Falciano, Italy; three sisters, Filomena Valente of Rutland Town, Lucia Spallieri of Rutland and Angela Lettiere of Naples, FL; and several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, at Christ the King Church in Rutland.
A reception will follow and a private burial will be at a later date.
Mount St. Joseph Academy held a special place in John's heart. He did fundraising and served on the MSJ school board for many years. Contributions may be made to Mount St. Joseph Academy, Convent Avenue, Rutland, VT 05701.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Valente
johnny petrone
March 14, 2024
one of the finest men i have had the priveledge of having met. johnny petrone
Al Sabataso
March 14, 2021
John was a great guy and a good friend for many years. I miss seeing and visiting with him whenever we get up to Vermont.
Debora Lamothe
March 16, 2019
I loved it when he told me his having breakfast with the Pope
johnny petrone
March 14, 2019
one of the finest people i have had the priveledge of meeting ----time doesnt end the missing of someone like him---- a salut johnny v.
Woody Woodard
March 14, 2019
Still think about John often, a great friend.....How ironic, spoke with his daughter this morning, and this shows up on my email....
April 6, 2014
Our condolences to the family. He will be missed.
Star Barbershop ( Bill and Tom)
Angela Kelley-Sanborn
March 29, 2014
Dear Lucy and The Valente Family,May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 27, 2014
Jane, condolences to you and your family. John was a very kind and respected man.
Marilyn and Larry Gilbert
johnny petrone
March 27, 2014
jesus must have needed help with a problem--and he called upon one of the best to help him out --god bless my friend ---one of the finest men i have ever met
Johnny Pisanelli
March 26, 2014
My condolences to the Valente family for your loss.I remember Johnny in our sixth grade class at CKS and when he came to our house he and my mother would just talk Italian to each other and Fred Remington and I would just look stupid..He always had a smile when i saw him.He will be greatly missed.
March 25, 2014
Prayers to the Valente family, John was a good friend for many years, respected him a lot, had a lot of good conversations with John.
Woody Woodard
March 25, 2014
To the Valente Family,
What a kind soul John was. I met him when he and his sisters were entrusting others to take care of their mother. Always one to smile no matter what just came his way. May peace be with you John and your family.
Kindly,
Lauren Stewart
Brian and Patty Costello
March 25, 2014
John's random acts of kindness will be missed. May his life be an example for all of us.
March 25, 2014
So sorry to hear of John's passing. With sympathy and prayers. Guido & Helen Forte
Cocoa Beach FL.
Bill Colton
March 25, 2014
What a wonderful person John was. A sense of humor that put me in a good mood if I was having a bad day. I spent time talking to him about the "old" country almost every time I ate at the Midway. My family was from Bolonga and we talked about that. Very proud to have called John my friend. May God Bless.
Helen Morandi
March 24, 2014
Dear Angie,
Know that I am thinking of you and your family and am holding you all in prayer as you go through the following days, missing and mourning your brother...love to you and Anthony...
Helen Burgess Morandi
Carl and Mary Mazzariello
March 24, 2014
Dear Jane and family -
We are extremely saddened by John's passing, but relieved that his suffering has ended.
He certainly is an inspiration to all of us for the way he looked at life and laughed through it!
We will always remember his jokes, but we will especially remember the special love he had for his family.
A friend to all and a great man. He will be truly missed
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carl n Mary Mazzariello
Bob Ryan
March 24, 2014
My condolences to the many family and friends of John. I met him when he was introduced to my sixth grade class at Christ the King. He sang "Volare" for us. I'll never forget how we were blown away by his voice. He could really perform. And he was always smiling and laughing. He was a great guy.
Marleen Cenate
March 24, 2014
Jane and family,
My thoughts and prayers to you during this very difficult time. Keep the wonderful memories close to your heart.
Marleen
March 23, 2014
To John Family
Our prayers are with you at this sad time. I have good memories with John talking about our Italian childhood.He is with his parents and many friends. I will think of you on the golf cource.
Angela &Dick LaVictoire
Pompano Beach Fl.
Betty Parker Landon
March 23, 2014
Dear Janie, Nicki, Lisa,Maribeth and grandchildren, with a sad heart I would like to express my sincere sympathies and blessings to a very special Proctor family. He always had such a kind heart and smile. RIP Johnny. Love to all. Betty
James Ryan
March 22, 2014
I had several wonderful chilhood memories of beginning with watching him learn English in 6th grade at Christ the King in the late 50's. We reconnected in the late 90's when I was playing as a guest of a colleague at Proctor-Pittsford. He seemed to remember every little detail regarding our previous acquaintance. After that, I had the pleasure of playing at the club as John's guest along with neices Jo Jo and Carrie and observed the wonderful old school manners of an Italian family. I'll miss him.
Carol Jablonski
March 22, 2014
Jane & Family - So very very sorry to hear of John's passing. His laughter and presence will be missed by all. I truly have fond memories of John - God Bless and may he rest in peace. Blessings to you and the family.
Adam Schiff
March 22, 2014
The greatest of bosses. I worked for him and the Tombetta in 1998-99 and never worked for a better or kinder man. I came over from a competitor who used to make some ice cream....The first thing John (or Mr. Valente as I insisted calling him till he made me cut it out) said is "I won't work you like a slave and the pay is alot better to....you'll like it here kid". He never said anything that wasn't true and he was right. Be kind, hussle, and have fun; seemed to be how he lived; I'm sorry I never got around to visting Mr. Valente, but you left a great impression. I'll be thinking of you.
Jack Healey
March 22, 2014
My deepest sympathies go out to John's family. He was a wonderful man and will be missed.
Dan Blanchard
March 22, 2014
Very sorry for your loss Jane and family.he was one of the greatest men I have ever known.
Harold/Ann Hubbard
March 22, 2014
Dear Jane and Family,
John was a very special person...he always had a SMILE and was willing to tell his latest favorite joke. I'll never forget the night that you came to our house in Rutland Town to play cards. We didn't get through the card game because of John's jokes. He wanted everyone to be happy. We laughed until we cried that night. John, you were a very special person and now we cry for you...may you rest in peace, brother...God bless you Jane.
Love, Ann and Hubby
Jo Anne (Lovullo) Richards
March 22, 2014
Dear Jane, May the love of your family and friends get you through this most difficult time. My deepest sympathy and prayers will be with you. Jo Anne
March 22, 2014
To the Valente family. John was a great guy and a good friend. We will miss him .
Al & Diane Sabataso
Lori and Joey Raymond
March 22, 2014
Dear Lucy and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your brother was kind man and will truly be missed. God Bless.
Lori Pfenning-Raymond
March 22, 2014
Dear Jane, I am so very sorry to of the John's passing. I have many fond memories of Uncle John pouring the Italian wine at the Spallieri celebrations. He was such a kind man. How blessed you all are to have had him in your life. He will always be with you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori
Michelle Hance-Burnett
March 22, 2014
to the Valente family
I am so sorry for your loss. MR. Valente was a great man. I remember him (and your family) from when we lived on Hopkins street. It was an honor to have known him.. he will be greatly missed
Adam Schiff
March 22, 2014
The finest boss I ever worked for. I will always remember him trying to get the employees at the Midway to prick their finger on his diabetes test monitor-half to get a reaction and half because he didn't want to anyone to suffer from health problems that he was having....he always wanted everyone to be happy; he had this great perspective on life-I never worked in restauraunts again but I always hoped I'd get to say hello one day. So now I have to say goodbye, and rest in peace.
Bill Fellows
March 21, 2014
To Jane and Family: Very fond memories of working with John years ago. He was always a positive caring human being. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go with you.
Earle Niles
March 21, 2014
John will be missed ,So sorry for your loss
Bill Olney
March 21, 2014
To the Valente family I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you Jo Jo and your whole family.
March 21, 2014
Hi Janie,
So sorry to here of John's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Maryellen (Macfarlane) LeBlanc
Frederick Lorman
March 21, 2014
Sadness comes to me in the passing of my friend from the Diner and the PPCC. I will remember him as giving me and my father Fred Lorman and wife Cynthia and Matthew and Jacob Lorman my grandsons our television debut in an advertisement for the diner. John was always fun to be around. Other than his joking around at PPCC with everyone and his real interest in everyones golf game My constant recalling memory is of John"s commencement address at the MSJ Graduation of the Class of My son Joseph Lorman. It was an amazing recount of John"s family coming to the United states without a word of English or financial security. It recounted the hard work and hard times of an immigrant family and for John who was educated through local Catholic schools. It told of his successful rise from that poor beginning to his station in life at his passing.It is truly inspirational and a testament to a great person whose love and concern for people was his strong suit. I would love to hear that commencement address again and I think it worthwhile for all students in our Rutland Schools to bear witness to John's life. If anyone has a copy I would be grateful to hear it again. I was looking forward to seeing John on my return from Florida in April as in the past. There will always be a void without him. My condolences to his family
Janice (Krempa) Funfgeld
March 21, 2014
Janie...so very sorry to hear of John's passing. I believe the last time I saw him was at the Diner and he always made a point to come over, sit down with us and we talked about the good ole days coming over and visiting with my dad. John was such a nice guy and will surely be missed. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Robert & Beth Cijka
March 21, 2014
A very good man has passed and will be greatly missed. All our prayers.
Debora Lamothe
March 21, 2014
Will miss you Boss!!
Jack &Phyllis Shortsleeve
March 21, 2014
Jane & family:
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. He was very kind to us at the Proctor- Pittsford golf course. A kind, gentle, caring man to all.
John & Patty Bove
March 21, 2014
John was an incredible friend to all and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, his family.
Father Dwight MacPherson
March 21, 2014
Dear family,
May the bless you and keep you during this time. My dear friend your husband, dad, grandpa, friend to so many be with All the Angels, and Archangels and all the company of Heaven as we together sing Holy, holy holy...
John will be missed but we will all see him again one day.
Bless you all.
Father Dwight +
Jane Graham
March 21, 2014
I am so sorry for you loss. He was a very generous loving person. He will be missed by so many. Our love to you all Jane, Marissa and Mitchell
Kathy (Marchinkoski) Wood
March 21, 2014
Jane, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Rosemary Manfredi
March 20, 2014
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. John was a friend to everyone he met. Hold on to the wonderful memories of all your trips that you took,especially with the family. He is now in a better and more place. He is probably serving his homemade Italian wine to his parents and the angels. Love to you all.
Bill Gregory
March 20, 2014
Dear Valente Family, please accept my condolences, It's still seems so unbelievable to me still at this time of John's passing he was such a great man I can't image how you must feel but please remember the great man you had in your life and be honored that you had such a wonderful , husband and father and Grandfather, he had such a great sense of humor I always loved it when he said “these kids are driving me crazy momma mia” and he would laugh and smile with a smile that would light up a dark room, and a serious side that he kept so well separated he was one of the ones I always looked forward to talking to and meeting with at the Dinner he was a icon in the Rutland area will be deeply missed by all that knew him and those who never got to know him as the world needed millions more like John Valente instead of one less.
May God Bless You at This Time and forever may all of us keep his memories alive and all of you in our hearts.
Theresa McGinnis
March 20, 2014
Dear Jane and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May you gain strength from the thoughts and prayers of the many family and friends thinking of you at this time.
Theresa McGinni
March 20, 2014
Dear Jane and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May you gain strength from the thoughts and prayers of your family and friends.
Jeanie Reed
March 20, 2014
Jane,
I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Peter Altrui
March 20, 2014
One of the nicest men I have ever known. Growing up and going to college with John was special. Rest in Peace my special friend...Love to his entire family....
Martha Trombetta
March 20, 2014
Dear Jane and Family: Such sad news. I am so sorry to hear that John passed away. He was the kindest and most generous man I have ever known. And I know he loved his family and delighted in his grandchildren. He will be missed enormously by all who knew him. The world has lost a great man.
Nicole Therrien-LaMarche
March 20, 2014
John I've pretty much known you my whole life I don't think I have ever met a man like you or ever will! You always had a smile and good words for every single person you ran into! You were an Amazing man! Jane and family prayers and hugs for you to stay strong in your time of sadness! He will be greatly missed!
Michele Heaton
March 20, 2014
Jane Lisa mar mar Nikki, you have always been family to me. I love all of u and am very sad at "my cheese mans passing". We drove him crazy picking on him, but I will miss him calling us a "bunch of dorks" I always envied u girls having him as a father and often wished he was mine. I will forever be sad about his passing but am grateful for having the chance to know him.
March 20, 2014
To the VALENTE FAMILY I was so saddened to hear about John. I have known the family for so long, Johnny (as I called him) was always the perfect gentleman and was so loved.He is in heaven with his parents and watching over all. Rest in peace JOHNNY.AGNES% WILEY DUCLO
Amy & Michael Fitzgerald
March 20, 2014
Jane and family i am so sorry for the loss of a great man he was one of the greatest men ive ever known he will be greatly missed Amy Therrien
March 20, 2014
Dear Jane and family
I am so sorry to read of John's passing. May all your fond memories sustain you at this very sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mary Gecha
S.c.
Lucy Notte
March 20, 2014
Dear Jane,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of John. I have knew John as he was my classmate at MSJ (Class of'64). John was a great guy and always ready with a smile. He will be missed by many. He is no longer suffering. God Bless you.
Marilyn Hannah
March 20, 2014
Jane, We were so sorry to hear about John. He was such a nice guy with a wonderful sense of humor. I know he will be greatly missed. Our condolences to you and your family.
Peter J. Chilos
March 20, 2014
To Johns family members please accept my sincere condolences. I am very sorry.
Cheryl LeBlanc
March 20, 2014
Jane and family,
I was so sorry to hear about John. He was such a sweet man and I know you will all miss him very much. I will miss seeing him at PPCC. You family have always held a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Tim Wierzbicki
March 20, 2014
Dear Jane, Mary Beth and Valente family. I'm so sorry to hear about John. He was a good Man & will be missed. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
Carroll Curtis
March 20, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. John is in a better place now where there is no pain for suffering.
Susan Ponto
March 20, 2014
My deepest sympathy for your loss. My prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May your memories of John bring you some peace. Todd and Susan Ponto
Nicole Fabian
March 20, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. John was such a sweet man. He will be greatly missed.
Richard Daley
March 20, 2014
My prayers and sympathy are for you and your family. John always made me feel like at home whether it was at PPCC or at the dinner. He did so much for area students. He was an good man.
Linda Skovira
March 20, 2014
I was deeply saddened by the passing of John. He was the best of the best ... husband, father, grandfather. He will surely be missed. R.I.P. John.
March 20, 2014
We are all very sorry for your loss and are thinking of your family during this difficult time.
~The RRMC Intensive Care Unit Team~
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