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Michael J. Valentine
Michael J. Valentine
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Michael Valentine Obituary
Michael was born on April 28th, 1952, in Queens, NY, and attended Long Island City High School.
In 1973, he moved to Vermont to attend Castleton State College and never looked back. He fell in love with the mountains and the air and lived the rest of his life devoting himself to his children and to his work.
He is remembered for the pride he put into every job he had, from working as a janitor at City Hall to his 21 years as executive director of PEG-TV.
Michael was engaged within the community and will be remembered for his volunteerism. Over the years, he received numerous honors and recognition for his work on behalf of the community, including being recognized as Volunteer of the Year for the United Way of Rutland County.
His friends and family will remember him as a flawless prankster with quick wit and hilarious comebacks. He sang his way through life with his beautiful bass voice and kept his loved ones laughing until the very end as he promised he would.
Michael is survived by his son, Kael Kysar of Rutland; daughter, Katie Valentine Bove, son-in-law, Edward Bove; and grandchildren Michael and Daniella Bove, all of Manchester, Vermont; nephew, Michael A. Valentine of Virginia; and niece, Ellice Zacharides of California.
He is preceded by his mother, Patricia Avery of Rutland; and two sisters Trish Valentine Rondonis of New Jersey and twin, Michele Valentine of Arizona.
Always a very modest man, he expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming amount of love that was shown to him in his final days.
Michael and his family would like to thank the countless friends who visited him at his home as well as the Rutland Area Visiting Nurses, Dr. Jeffrey Stall and the Trillium singers.
There will be no calling hours.
A celebration of his life will be held at Trinity Church at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2016. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Guiding Eyes for the Blind or The United Way of Rutland County, c/o Clifford Funeral Home, 2 Washington St., Rutland, VT 05701.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill Crimi
April 28, 2016
Michael 'J' ...My best boyhood friend...I have missed you these long, past years apart...every memory I have of you brings a smile to my face...I shall always remember you in this way...with love in my heart.
Dolores Crimi-Alic
April 20, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family of Michael. He was our best man in 1970 (Bill and I) and Godfather to our son, who is carries his name, Michael. The greatest friend anyone could ever have. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Lisa, Joseph & Myles Donohue
April 8, 2016
Our Native American friends have often said, "There is never an end; rather a change of worlds."
It has also been said that, "When the Higher Power (God) is pleased, we are called home."
It is clear to me that your insight, sense of humor, and abilities are needed on the other side...And that "The Divine" is and was very pleased.
We will always think of you, Mike....and your humor ~ (Ex. When I interviewed a Shaman on PEG-TV, on Heart of the Matter: A Soulful Cure ~ And you asked afterwards, "May we squeeze the Shaman"?
You will be missed indeed.
Jim, Becky, & Mattie Sowards
April 7, 2016
Kael, Our hearts are with you as you take this bend in the road, surrounded by all the people who love you and share your life. What a gift you have given your father by being such a kind, creative, and funny son! You shared a love of music that he was so proud of. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
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ML Hansen
April 6, 2016
I got the know Mike while he was raising Barnum for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Mike had successfully raised several puppies that went on to become guide dogs. Mike understood the importance of providing the gift of independence that a guide dog gives to a blind or visually impaired person. While he was raising Barnum I had the opportunity to visit Mike and Barnum at PEG-TV where Barnum was the "mayor of Peg-TV). Mike's relationship with Barnum was very apparent. Barnum grew up to be a friendly affable canine and has a very large personality. Barnum went through the harness training of the Guiding Eyes Program and adjusted well to his training. However, guide work was not in Barnum's future. When I called Mike to discuss whether he would want him back as a pet I knew Mike was not well. He was very conflicted about taking on the responsibility of giving Barnum the life he needed. In the end, Mike made the ultimate sacrifice to allow him to live with another family. I have been in touch with Barnum's new family and he is thriving very nicely. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to know Mike and to watch the bond between Mike and Barnum grow and develop. Mike gave Barnum the gift of being able to connect with many people. Not such a bad legacy, huh?
Barbara Spaulding
April 6, 2016
I had the great pleasure to work with Michael as a member of Marble Valley Players when I first moved to Rutland. We were cast in the play "The Butler Did It" and Michael played a detective trying to solve a murder. I was cast as one of the suspects. Michael was great to work with and I admired his acting ability. I will remember him with great fondness.
Lily Smith
April 6, 2016
My deep condolences to the family of Michael Valentine. I went to Castleton St College with him in the early 80's and played along side him in a couple musicals. I have not seen him in years, and was unaware he was ill. May Peace be with him and his loved ones.
Kathy Frederico Kennedy
April 5, 2016
Kael & Katie - I am so sorry for your loss. Michael was a truly wonderful person. He will be missed. You were an angel in his eyes now he is an angel in your heart! God Bless.
Meggen Hanna
April 5, 2016
Dear Kael,
I will always remember your dad for his kindness and sense of humor. He was always so proud of you and he always will be. He is a great addition to Heaven but he will be terribly missed here on earth. With loving thought and prayers, Meggen, Dermot, Nolan and Corrigan Hanna
April 5, 2016
Dear Kael,
I will always remember your dad for his kindness and humor. He was always so proud of you and always will be. He is a great addition to heaven but will be missed so very much here on earth. With loving thoughts and prayers, Meggen, Nolan and Corrigan Hanna
Julie Freebern
April 3, 2016
Katie-Anna, Angela & Lily are singing their hearts out in NYC sending light and love to you and your family.
Royal Barnard
April 3, 2016
My sincere sympathies to son, Kael, and all of Mike's Family. Mike was a very good man who achieved many accomplishments for himself and for our community. Given a challenge Mike worked with energy, passion, honesty and a special flair that made it all fun. It was a gift to know him and to be a volunteer on his PEG TV team.
Nina Keck
April 3, 2016
Michael was always so kind and gracious whenever we worked together. He will be greatly missed in the Rutland community. My thoughts go out to his family.
April 2, 2016
Dear Katie, and all your family--we share in your grief--our thoughts and prayers shall remain with you throughout the coming days. May you be blessed with strength and comfort, and much love, Sandy and John Mazzariello
Marquis Walsh
April 2, 2016
Sorry for your loss. A great guy with a ton of talent.
April 2, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of working with Mike many years ago, he was a great guy. He will be missed by many.
Tommy Neary
Bill Shappy
April 2, 2016
So sorry to hear about Michael! Our condolences to the family!
April 2, 2016
Thank you for letting us faraway from Rutland share in your sad news. Since we know you' we would have loved your dad. May he be greeted by Mary and John Anzalone and all the other family members that have traveled before him. We hope our parents live for ever, at the same time no one wants them to suffer. With love and prayers: Merrilee, Ahmad, Sohailla and Taraneh.
April 2, 2016
A Total Class Act. Our Thoughts, Prayers & Love Go Out To Michael's Family & Friends. Rest Peacefully Old Friend, We Too Shall Meet Beyond The River.
Denise Patrick
April 2, 2016
Kael, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Know that he will always be with you guiding you through life. call upon him in tough times and he will help guide you through them.
Denise & Olivia
Jonathan Fenton
April 2, 2016
A great man! Sending condolences to your family from Apache Junction, Arizona.
Sandy Abatiell
April 2, 2016
You will be so missed by family and friends. I have many fond memories of your years with Miss Lorraine. I'm so sorry, Katie❤
Vince Allo
April 2, 2016
Broadcast in Peace MJV, we'll leave the mic on for ya! May God bless the Valentine family at this difficult time...
Lee Accavallo
April 2, 2016
To Michael family...... I had many business dealings with Michael. What a fine man to deal with.
Guy Paradee
April 2, 2016
Michael was a very talented and cool guy. He helped me put together a program with CCV students when I taught there. The program covered local events that CJ students were interested in. It went over very well with the students, CCV and the community. Michel took my raw ideas and made it happen for us. RIP Michael.
Audra Abatiell Fairbanks
April 2, 2016
Kael, Katie... my most heartfelt condolences to you. Your father touched so many lives in such loving, fun, helpful, soulful ways. He knew how to connect. He knew how to live. And he knew he was the luckiest and proudest Papa that ever was. His love and admiration for you was evident in every conversation. So proud. So blessed. My connection with him has spanned over 30 years- Dancing, singing, acting, philosophizing, encouraging...even on heavy days, he could light up a room, and fill it with laughter. He was good energy to be around. He's passed that on to you. Forever. Love. And Peace ❤❤
Jay, Mike and Nan at the Palms
Nan and Jay Hart
April 2, 2016
Deepest condolences to all of Mike's wonderful family. The sorrow is overwhelming for so many of us as we try to come to terms with the loss of such an amazing friend, father, co-worker, community member. His humor, joy for life and love of his family leaves a legacy we can all embrace and share.
April 2, 2016
So sorry to hear about Michael. He lead a full life and I know he loved his family. We will be starting out from Florida on April 7, but we will be thinking of you. Allen and Muriel Smith
Jack Healey
April 2, 2016
My deepest sympathies go out to Mike's family.
Cathy Diana
April 2, 2016
Katie, I'm so very sorry to hear about your Dad. Heartfelt condolances to you and your family. Love, Cathy
Rich Carlson
April 2, 2016
Michael made a difference in our community and beyond. It is my pleasure in having known him!
Ada and Mike Pezzetti
April 2, 2016
Dear Katie, Ed and family,
Our deepest, deepest sympathy on your great loss. We shall always remember Michael J.'s smile and twinkle in his eye, especially when he held up that huge #1 hand at the wonderful RHS field hockey games, class of 1994! We parents have a special bond, as do you and your teammates.
Wish we could be there on Thursday to celebrate his life with you. Know that we will be there in spirit.
Love,
Sam's Good News 1999
Tom Leypoldt
April 2, 2016
Michael J. was a monumental person on so many levels. Knowing and working with him for 20 years without one boring day. Kate and Kael an amazing legacy. Thanks MJV
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2 Washington Street, Rutland, VT 05701
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