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Richard Valerian Obituary
December 18, 1946 - March 17, 2024
Dick passed away on St. Patrick's Day, following a joyful celebration of his granddaughter, Patricia's fifth birthday, with family and friends at his home in Oakland, Calif. He was 77.
Dick was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Dario Valerian and Susan Rocchiccoli, second-generation Italian immigrants. Dick and his little sister, Darleen, grew up living above their parents' bar on West 41st St., surrounded by a tight-knit family.
From seventh grade through high school, Dick boarded at Georgetown Prep, where he wrestled and played football for the Little Hoyas. In 1964, Dick was co-captain of Prep's undefeated championship football team. He cherished his years at Prep, forging lifelong friendships. He went on to attend Georgetown University, Loyola of Rome, and USF Law School.
Dick joined Farmers Insurance as an attorney in 1973. He worked there for 37 years, becoming Managing Attorney in 1990. Dick fostered a vibrant workplace with many softball games, holiday celebrations, and defense verdicts.
In 1979, Dick married the love of his life, Patricia Johansing, a beautiful redhead from Pasadena. They raised four children, Dominic, Francesca, Augustine, and Monica, in the Oakland Hills. Dick was a loving husband and proud father.
Dick had many joys in life, including world travel, food, and wine, Cleveland teams, history, Great Danes, his pet guinea hen, coaching kids' soccer, and spending time with family and friends. He lived life to the fullest and left behind a legacy of love, generosity, and unity. He is survived by his sister, his children, and his eight grandchildren, Teo, Drew, Kai, Lincoln, Emelia, Maia, Patricia, and Max. He will be missed dearly.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Valerian
Mike McNulty, Rome `67-`68
February 18, 2025
To all of Dick´s Family: I am very sorry for your loss.
Pat Marino
February 18, 2025
I remember meeting Dick at Loyola University's Rome Center and loved his red car! I had no idea that Dick had passed last year and learned about this through Tom Clancy's recent email in February 2025. He will be missed and lived a life full of love, exuberance, and concern for his friends and family. He will always be one of the Romani to me. My love to his family, Pat (aka Pattie Jo)
Angelina
June 12, 2024
My uncle Dick was a great man, although I didn´t know much about him. I still love him dearly and will always remember him.
Ed Rodzewich
April 13, 2024
Dick was the best. It was always fun coming to work and seeing what he was up to. He taught me alot about work and life. He will be greatly missed.
Jim McSherry
March 31, 2024
I recall Dick as a fellow student, an energetic wrestler, and a friendly face at G.Prep, when we were there. His memory brings a smile.
Lou Gatti
March 30, 2024
Dick was always my friend, and I was grateful for the "catch-ups" over the years. He always had that smile, and a wicked sense of humor. Sorry he lived on the other side of the country. He also made football so much fun at Prep. I will never forget when he broke the sled in practice; and we did not have to push it around the field. RIP old friend.
Joe Lonardo
March 29, 2024
Dick was a truly great friend during our Georgetown University years where we played football next to each other as guard and tackle on the offensive line. Dick always brought a smile to your face as he loved life and it´s experiences. My thoughts and prayers are with Dick´s family in this loss of a special personality.
Rusty Renaudin
March 25, 2024
I wish to express my condolences and sympathies to The Valerian Family.I shared many memories with Dick @ Prep and Georgetown University. Dick and your family are in my Deepest Prayers- God Bless- J R "Rusty" Renaudin
Stephen Drew
March 24, 2024
RIP 1972 USF classmate
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