Robert Valentino, 75, of Dallas, Texas passed from this life on January 6, 2018. He was born January 8, 1942, in Bronx, New York to Salvatore and Jennie (Cecere) Valentino. On November 4, 1967, Robert married his beloved wife, Michele Marianne Torsone in Poughkeepsie, New York.
He graduated from De Witt Clinton High School in 1959 (Bronx, New York) and continued his education where he earned an Associate Degree at Fordham University. Robert was a member of the United States Army National Guard/Reserve from 1964-1969.
He pursued a career in International and Domestic Sales & Marketing in the home furnishings and automotive industry. He was selected as one of the outstanding marketing and sales representatives in the U.S. by Entrée Magazine, conducted seminars for the government of Quebec, and awarded Diplomat Society Honors from Ford Motor Company.
Robert devoted many years of service to the Dallas community. He was a former board member of The Italian Club of Dallas and the Spring Valley Athletic Association where he received the Spring Valley Athletic Sportsmanship Award for his role as a mentoring football, baseball and soccer coach who developed character as well as skills in his players.
Robert dearly loved his family and friends and lived his life as if it were a ministry. He considered his children and grandchildren to be his greatest accomplishment. His love of people led to meaningful lifelong relationships. He was loved by all who knew him. Robert treasured and celebrated the connections and friendships he made through his Cooper Fitness Membership and Tennis Group. He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Michele. They recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary with family and friends.
Those who knew him well will always remember him as a man of style and substance whose wit and authentic wisdom drew you to him. His ready smile and hearty laugh could always lighten your day. He loved his sports and was a fierce and loyal fan of the NY Yankees and the NY Giants. He loved to dance and he LOVED the musical and vocal genius of Frank Sinatra. And how can anyone forget his love of good food and wine, most particularly Italian food cooked by his wife Michele.
He is survived by his wife, Michele Valentino of Dallas, Texas; sons, Guy Valentino of Dallas, TX, Robert Michael Valentino and wife Catherine (Beaty) of Frisco, TX, and daughter, Carolann Valentino Powers and husband, Marc Powers of New York, NY; grandchildren, Nicholas Ryan Valentino and Sophia Nicole Valentino; brother, Ronald F. Valentino of Las Vegas, NV; and many nieces and nephews. In addition, he is survived by three sisters of his wife, Sister Theresa Torsone of Wilton, CT, Anita Freer of Highland, NY and Johnna Torsone McKeon of Stamford, CT who truly considered him to be their brother; many friends who were considered family, most particularly Norman and Fawn Payson and Ed and Rosalie Lombardi.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Richard Valentino, Joseph Valentino, sisters, Jeanette Valentino and Carol Ann Valentino, and nephew Gary Valentino.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, January 21, 2018 in the Berkley Room at the Cooper Hotel and Spa, 12230 Preston Road, Dallas TX 75230, CooperHotelDallas.com.
For floral acknowledgements please contact Ridgeview Florist at 972-562-4127or in his memory, donations may be made to the Spring Valley Athletic Association Scholarship Fund, 972-238-9728 and/or School Sisters of Notre Dame, (SSND), 345 Belden Hill Road, Wilton CT 06897, www.ssnd.org. Cards may be sent to 11700 Preston Rd Ste. 660-316 Dallas, TX 75230.