Obituary of John M. Valenti

John Valenti died peacefully after a long battle with bladder cancer on Thursday April 8, 2021 in Catskill, NY at the age of 70, surrounded by his family.

John is survived by his wife, Joyce of Windham, NY; his daughters Serena (Adam) of Chicago, IL and Genevieve (Dan) of Saco, ME; his grandson Patrick John, and his sister Carlina of Deer Park, NY. He is preceded in death by his parents Bert and Rose of Deer Park, NY.

John was born on October 9, 1950 in Bay Shore, NY to Bert and Rose. He graduated from SUNY Cortland in 1975 with a Masters of Science in Education. He married Joyce, the love of his life, in 1977. John worked for 2 years at Marion High School in Rochester, NY and 3 years at Stamford before beginning his long teaching career at Windham Ashland Jewett Central School as a science teacher, ski coach and soccer coach. 

Joyce and John were married for 43 years, and John set about teaching his daughters kindness and compassion. His children remember him as a loving, patient, kind father with a heart of gold and a great sense of humor who is irreplaceable.

John was an accomplished athlete, completing several marathons, serving as a ski patroller at Windham Mountain for over 30 years, and loving anything to do with the outdoors. He was incredibly generous and was always willing to lend a helping hand to whoever needed it. He loved animals (especially birds, reptiles, and his beloved pigeons) and was passionate about helping others. He was an active and dedicated member of the Ashland Volunteer Fire Department and served as an EMT for many years as well. He always came prepared with his ski patrol pack everywhere he went just in case someone needed his assistance. His dedication to and passion for teaching and helping others led him to leave an indelible mark on everyone he met, his humor and good cheer spreading joy and happiness to all who crossed his path.

Due to Covid, the funeral will be closed to immediate family only. A celebration of life will be held next summer. Calling hours will be Friday April 16 at Decker Funeral Home from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. In lieu of flowers, John would love donations sent in his name to either the Ashland  Fire Dept or Windham Mountain Ski Patrol.

Ashland Fire Department

PO Box 127

Ashland, NY 12407

Checks made out to Ashland Fire Department

Windham Mountain

19 Resort Drive

Windham,NY 12496

Attn: Maggie Brabazon

Ski Patrol checks can be made out to Windham Ski Patrol