In Loving Memory of Valentino Gareski
On March 27, 2026, our family lost an extraordinary man. My brother, Valentino Gareski, passed away after a courageous battle with lung cancer at just 52 years old.
In many ways, Valentino helped raise me. He wasn't just my brother-he was a mentor, protector, and role model who showed me what it meant to be strong, determined, and compassionate.
He was full of life and joy, radiating positive energy everywhere he went. Valentino had a rare ability to make people feel welcome and uplifted simply by being himself. He lived with passion, humor, and heart, and those qualities defined him in every role he played.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Tanja, and their two children, Don and Natalie, who were truly the center of his world. He was also deeply connected to our mother, Nada, and family meant everything to him. Valentino also leaves behind his sister in law, Tiffany, and his two nephews, Zander and Blake, whom he loved dearly.
Growing up, Valentino and I did everything together. We played any and every sport we could, and he was a fierce competitor-driven, talented, and always playing to win. He had a natural gift for basketball, soccer, tennis, and ping pong, and that competitive spirit extended beyond sports. He loved cards, chess, and backgammon, always eager for a challenge, a strategy, and a rematch. He also loved to travel, experiencing the world and enjoying a good time with friends wherever he went. No matter the setting or the game, he brought intensity, joy, and laughter.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 4, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Ceremony beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com
As our family grieves this devastating loss, we are focused on supporting the people Valentino loved most.
How You Can Help
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that support be considered through one of the options below to help Valentino's family during this incredibly difficult time.
Funeral & Memorial Expenses
The immediate costs associated with funeral and memorial services are significant. Any contribution will help ease the financial burden on Tanja and the family as they focus on healing and honoring Valentino's life.
Funeral Support Link:
https://gofund.me/d69b949c8
PayPal email address:
[email protected]Venmo cell number: 978-987-7620
Education Fund for Don and Natalie (529 Plan)
Valentino cared deeply about his children's future. A 529 education fund has been established to support Don and Natalie's education and long term opportunities. Contributions of any size will go directly toward their schooling and help carry forward Valentino's hopes and dreams for them.
Education Fund (529) Link:
https://go.fidelity.com/s1v3m7
Every donation, message, and share means more than we can ever express. If you are unable to contribute financially, simply sharing this page or keeping Valentino's family in your thoughts and prayers is deeply appreciated.
Thank you for honoring Valentino's life, his legacy, and the love he gave so freely.
With gratitude,
The Gareski Family
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Valentino Gareski, please visit our floral store.