VALPARAISO, IN - John S. Valenti, age 91, of Valparaiso, IN passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his children on December 20, 2020. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Shirley (nee Hamer); father, Stephano; and mother, Antoinette (nee LaFata). Survived by his four dear children: Steve (Beth) Valenti, Greg (Kathene) Valenti, Karen Ensign and Jan Wadlington; nine precious grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; loving sister, Geraldine Defoor; many nieces and nephews; and faithful canine, Gracie; and feathered friend, Petey.

John graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in education and subsequently received his Master of Science degree in education from Indiana University. He began his teaching career at Horace Mann High School. He taught industrial arts at Lew Wallace High School for decades. John was proud to serve his country as a Major in the Air Force Reserves. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Paul Men's Club, American Legion and the National Association of Home Builders.

To know John was to love and respect him. He had a personality bigger than life and a heart to match it. He loved to sing. He was a lover of music (especially big bands, the Rat Pack & the Lettermen). He enjoyed traveling (especially to Italy), dining out, and get-togethers with family and friends. John spent his winter months in Largo, Florida. He was a devout Catholic and parishioner at St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso. His love and devotion for his family was a reflection of his strong faith. He was an excellent father and husband who embraced traditional values. Although he was a workaholic, his primary interests were always centered around his family.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46307 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM directly at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd, Valparaiso, IN 46385. John will lie in state at the church from 9:30 AM until time of service. After church, procession to Calumet Cemetery in Merrillville, IN for graveside burial with full military honors. Those attending visitation and service are required to wear masks and to follow social distancing protocols. Due to COVID, the family will have a celebration of his life over the summer for those that will not be able to attend January Service. John S. PRUZIN AND SON FUNERAL SERVICES entrusted with arrangements. For further information please visit Solanpruzinfuneralhome.com

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Published by The Times on Jan. 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Valenti

18 Entries

JOSEPH LAFATA

December 28, 2022

To the Valenti family: your Dad was in a few words Genuine, Positive, Loving, and God fearing!

Don E Kepshire

January 9, 2021

Your Dad was a fantastic individual (so was your mother!) To many memories; parents are probably playing pinochle right now! I will see you all Sunday. Bottom line we had Great Parents, Period. And grieve with you

Laura Sheridan

January 9, 2021

May all your memories keep you grounded with your dad. He raised an amazing family and has all of you as his legacy to carry on his name and family traditions

Karen Ensign

January 9, 2021

To view SEVERAL photos, find photo gallery. To enlarge, tap on the photo. It’s hard to find!

Kathlene Valenti

January 8, 2021

A picture to share...

Butch & Marsha Wiechnik

January 6, 2021

We are very sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy.

John Asbury

January 5, 2021

I had Mr Valenti back in 1979. I remember watching the Yankees/Red Sox 1 game playoff where Bucky Dent hit a home run to win the game for the Yankees. Taught me a lot about electric. Took a test for a job many years later and scored higher than their technicians they had working for them. Rip Mr Valenti.

Mike Zarik

January 5, 2021

I had the privilege of having Mr. Valenti for electric shop at Lewis Wallace & was his assistant my senior year. He was one of the reasons I became an electrician. My condolences to his family. Godspeed Mr. Valenti. Rest In Peace

Alejandra Halper

January 4, 2021

John always had a great smile that lightened up people around him.
He was an amazing humble, noble, incredible person !!!!
I admire him and will always live in my heart!!!!
Love you my friend Rest In Peace!!!!

John Tomaszewski

January 4, 2021

I remember having Mr. Valenti at Lew Wallace High School. He kept us engaged in shop class. May he R I P from class of 1982!

Rocco Imbesi

January 4, 2021

My sincere condolences to the Valenti family. Mr. Valenti was an excellent electric shop teacher at Lew Wallace and I had the privilege of being one of his students. R.I.P. Mr. Valenti.

Bob Hugus

January 3, 2021

Mr. Valenti was one of my favorite teachers at Horace Mann. Those of us who took Electric Shop will never forget making a bowling pin lamp, or a hot dog cooker.

carl brown

January 3, 2021

i first met john and shirley in 1967. john built my first house on garfield street in merrillville. i always thought they were two of the nicest people i had ever known.
i am now 85 and i still remember john and shirley as two of the nicest people i have ever known.

Dan Hallmen

January 3, 2021

Rest in peace Mr Valenti. Your early 70s Lew Wallace classes were steps 1 and 2 of my lifelong career. I still remember the little puffs of smoke rising over a surprised students test bed and the laughs we all shared. Good times.

Donna Oakes

December 31, 2020

Donna Oakes

December 31, 2020

Donna Oakes

December 31, 2020

Dear Karen and family. My deepest sympathy! I especially remember spending the day at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa with Skip and you and your father. What a wonderful day I’ll always remember. John treated us to lunch there. We went into the PX.
He was a stellar man.
May God comfort you with your memories.
Donna Oakes

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