RIKKI L VALENTI

Rikki L. Valenti, 76, passed away on July 29, 2024, in Girard, IL. Rikki was born to Anthony and Betty Valenti in Gary, IN on May 7, 1948. He married Jennifer (Crowe) Valenti on March 16, 1968. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, daughters, Nikki (Daniel) Tabor and Heather Rickard; and sisters, Vikki "Dobi" Sproul and Debi (Robert) Krupp; grandchildren Andrew (Rachel) Valenti, Devin and Aubri Williams, Chelsi (Charle) Slavey, and Zachary Rickard; great- grandchildren Abigail McCallister, Ace Slavey, Luca and Sicily Merrifield, Noah and Ezra Valenti. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Brett Anthony, siblings Elizabeth Best, Toni Enriquez, Lani "Diane" Searles and Patti Lou Valenti; and three brothers, James, Richard, and Lari.

Those who knew Rikki remember him as a family man, devoted husband, great friend and one of the strongest men they ever met-both physically and mentally. He was always someone who made you smile, just by being around him. He loved music and oh boy could he dance. He kept up with the best of them, whether at a sock hop or in the middle of the living room floor.

He put you at ease and made you feel important. Rikki was well known in the Fostoria community for his love of people and ability to make you laugh. He was a natural storyteller. Even when he told the same stories and jokes, they never got old. He was a passionate football enthusiast, having played semi-professionally for both the Fostoria Crusaders and the Tri-City Raiders. His love for the game extended into coaching, where he mentored young athletes at Vanlue and Arcadia high schools. One of his greatest joys was working with kids, instilling in them the values of teamwork and perseverance. He dedicated 30 years of his work life to Atlas Crankshaft Inc.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1049 N County Line St, Fostoria, Ohio on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Friends, family, and those whose lives were touched by Rikki are welcome to join and commemorate his remarkable life.