Ray Valente

After the death of my mom & sister in 1976 my father took me to see Ray Valente. I was 11 years old & I asked Ray how old do you need to be to work here. Ray said You can start next week. Ever since that day I worked at Valente's until I graduated high school & worked for Marc's when I came home from College. Ray was unbelievable the greatest soul I have known.

I'm so deeply saddened by this, my deepest condolences. The Valente family were mentors to me when I was a young boy. So many fond memories of Ray and his restaurant. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Daniel Mantas

To all the Valente family I express my deepest sympathy and condolences. I'm sure Ray and my dad Sam are having a good laugh in heaven right now just like they did so many times here on earth. God bless you all!

Ray Valente,
You will always be remembered in my life. I remember when in Jr. High School I started washing cars for you at the gas station. Then when you & your brother started Mirror Glaze you always had some delivering or cleaning up so I could do to make a buck. when I lost my daughter & wife in 1976 you were there. I could not cook Mike & I had many breakfast, Lunch & dinners at Valente's. You had Mike come to work at Valente's when he was 11yrs. old. working Saturday mornings. ...

Ray was the best he truly cared about his customers and friends. My mom Rose Dire and I ate at Marks several nights a week after my dad Joe Dire passed away. Mark and Ray always found the time to say hello to us. I am so sorry I missed yesterday, Ray attended both and I promises to be there for Ray. Rest in peace my friend and of course we all know you are in GODS HANDS. You will always be remembered with love.

When I moved to Denver in 1976 to sing in a band, my friend took me to dinner @ Valente's on 1 of my first few nights in town....Sr. came over to say hello & when we were introduced & struck up a conversation, he slid into the booth with us & we talked & laughed & he made me feel so welcome in my new Denver adventure! Later, after I married & hubby & I were really struggling to make the payments on our home, Ray gave me a job working lunches at Valente's ~ I LOVED that job & that...

Our condolences to the entire Valente family! Ray was such a part of all our lives growing up in Wheat Ridge and such a generous soul, especially when someone in our family passed away and he would bring all the food for the guests! I hope someone is supplying the meatballs, sausage and pasta for Ray's celebration of life today. :) God Bless all of you from the entire Gus & Winnie Gravina Family!