Valento Vacco

Val Vacco, 91, died Saturday, May 10 at his home in Des Moines, IA.
He was born Valento Angelo Vacco on February 23, 1934 in Des Moines to Martin and Rose Vacco. He graduated from Dowling High School in 1952, then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, serving until 1958. He married Loretta Greenwell in 1959. Together they raised three children.
Val worked for the United States Postal Service where he earned several commendations for safe driving as a carrier then transitioned to the Urbandale Bulk Mail Center. He retired in 2006 after 35 years of service. He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, and the Society of Italian Americans.
Val enjoyed hobbies including photography, automotive and small engine repair. He enjoyed sports, playing and coaching in various golf, softball, basketball and volleyball leagues. He also enjoyed occasional trips to Prairie Meadows where he made many friends.
Val was a caregiver to his mother, Rose, mother-in-law, Billie and wife, Loretta. He surrounded himself with lifelong friends and family who supported his generous efforts. His signature gesture was giving a tootsie roll as an additional thank you or just because.
Survivors include his daughters, Pamela Rogers (William), and Paula Vacco, son, Mark Vacco (John Mota), grandsons, Nathan and Kyle Rogers, sibling, Teresa Teller, sisters-in-law, Anne Marie Vacco, Judy Greenwell, brother-in-law, Jim Greenwell and many extended family members including cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Rose Vacco, wife, Loretta, siblings, Regina Youker and Roscoe Vacco, and nephew, Michael Vacco.
Dad lived in Des Moines his entire life and except for the potholes which he regularly reported for repair, he loved this city. Not a fan of the freeways, we would take the long way so he could drive through neighborhoods to tell stories about his childhood, memories about his friendships, routes he delivered, ballparks where he played.
Dad lived a humble life. He shared so much of himself, but we never thought it remarkable. Aren't all Dads Marine Vets, postal workers, ball players, caregivers and storytellers? And don't they all live every single day with the utmost kindness, love and good will? Ours sure did.
Visitation will be Friday, May 16, 2025 from 10 - 11:30 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church with a Mass of a Christian Burial following at 11:30 AM. Livestreaming and recording of the service can be viewed at www.ilesFuneralHomes.com. Private family burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery, West Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Pius X Catholic Church or to the family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.ilesFuneralHomes.com
Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel
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