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Peter Valentino
Peter Valentino Obituary
Pete was born in Patchogue, Long Island, NY, moved to Stuart, FL at the age of 13, and he spent his formative years there playing baseball and football at Martin County High School. He joined the US Army in March 1963 and spent 18 months in the DMZ of South Korea with the Hawk Missile. Upon his return, he met Mary Jane on a blind date and they were married in January 1966. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Pete attended Sam Houston State Univ. in Huntsville, TX. He earned both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Physical Education, Health and Biology all while playing football on the SHSU football team.
Pete first taught and coached in Volusia County, FL where he and Mary Jane started their family. They then moved to Clewiston, FL where he was the head football and track coach. His coaching and teaching career continued from Clewiston to Keystone Heights, FL, then to Clayton, Georgia where he was an assistant football and head track coach at Rabun County High School. In 1985, he joined the first staff at Gordon Central High School in Calhoun, GA. He continued coaching football and developed a top tier track program. This would be the last stop before retiring from his long, successful career. Most recently, he and Mary Jane have resided in Acworth, GA.
Pete enjoyed his garden, being outside, traveling, food, sports, trivia, blackjack, and most of all, visiting his children and grandchildren. His infectious laugh will forever be missed and his gentle, loving spirit made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
In honor of Coach Val, please support your local high school track and football programs!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Valentino
1 Entry
Kelli Wingate Hutcheson
August 24, 2025
Coach Val was one of a kind. He was passionate about family and coaching and treated me like family as one of "his kids." I was blessed to get to know him as a teacher and coach and to be a part of his team and family life. During cheer tryouts he told me I didn´t want to be a cheerleader. I responded, "I don´t?" He said, "No, you want to be a football team manager for me." There began a relationship that was a blessing to me, always. Creating some of the most memorable experiences of my high school years. He was funny, loving and extra special to all those who were blessed to know him. He made an incredible impact on kids for decades. The ripple is endless.
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