TOWN OF NORTH WESTERN — Cleo N.
Valentine, 61, died peacefully on November
18, 2013 in the loving arms of his wife at
Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse,
surrounded by his children, grandchildren,
son-in-law and friends.
Cleo was born on July 9, 1952 in Rome, New
York, son of the late Anthony and Wanda
Powell Valentine. He graduated from Rome
Free Academy. On December 21, 1996 Cleo
married Gloria LaBuz Torres. Their union
together was very happy, filled with much
laughter. Cleo lived by the four "Fs" of
life: Family, friends, fishing and faith.
When the time arrived to become a caregiver
to his beloved parents and our beloved Uncle
Wally, it wasn’t considered an option, it
was considered a privilege. Cleo visited his
parents’ grave everyday no matter what the
weather was like. Cleo’s greatest love was
his family. He was known as "oompie" by his
grandsons Gryphon and Mason. Mason loved his
oompie and would rather be at his side than
anywhere else.
Cleo worked for MT Construction for several
years as a mason in which he was so proud of
his trade. He worked very hard and was proud
to work hard. Cleo enjoyed his job and loved
his boss Mark Tarkowski. He was a member of
St. John the Baptist Church and
Transfiguration Church.
Cleo is survived by his wife Gloria
"Cookie", his children Kevin Torres, Denver
CO, a daughter and son-in-law Angel &
Christopher Foster, North Western, NY and
his grandchildren Gryphon "Merv" and his
best pal Mason, who will miss his best
friend forever. Jessie Mastraccio and John
Destito, who Cleo considered his other
children, will also hold a special place in
his heart as well as his pets Toya, Snoopy,
Anna, Dixie, Bell and Albert Tarkowski and
Chico.
Also left to mourn is a sibling, Anthony
Valentine Jr., Sauquoit, whom Cleo loved
dearly. He leaves behind his "true
brothers": Richard Destito, Mark (Katie)
Tarkowski, John (Lori) Marchesino, Mike
(Judy) Mastraccio, Shawn O’Connor, Jeff
Gifford, Dutch Cerdvole, Tony (Joan)
Trophia, Joseph Barone, Louie (Alice)
Colasanti, Al Brown, Larry Mackey’s Hoagie,
Johnny Soo, the Burke Brothers from Florida,
Peter and George Fabrizio from Rome, David
and Patty Cadrette and the Spellicy family.
Cleo also leaves behind a mother-in-law,
Nancy Mallek, Rome, a brother-in-law Frank
LaBuz, Rome, a sister-in-law &
brother-in-law Darlene and Richard Mullin of
Florida, Aunt Josie Baker, Shirley &
Richard Lambert, cousins Linda, Debbie,
Joyce and Joanne.
Cleo was predeceased by his loving parents
Anthony & Wanda Valentine, his Aunt
Dolly and Uncle Nick Chunchik and his Uncle
Harold and Aunt Irma Baird. All his pets
that he truly loved and special friend
Stanley Chilkotowsky.
The family would like to express a special
thank you to Lori and Johnny Marchesino who
introduced Cleo and Gloria together with a
17-year-marriage. It was the greatest ride
of their lives.
Our special friends Lori Marchesino, Don and
Sheila Jones, forever in faith Joan
Mammosser, Arlene and Chet, Jackie Izzo,
Bernadette Samsel, Judy and Joe McKenzie,
Janet for without your prayers we could not
have the strength to endure. And not to
forget Cleo’s "special" gal Miss Ginny from
Kwik N Easy and Gina and Tony Nash.
Special thanks to the viewers of KUSA,
Denver, CO for the care and compassion and
to all the well wishers from the state of
Colorado. Dr. Graziano and Dr. Benjamin, all
nurses and God Bless you Nancy, your
kindness will always be remembered. We also
want to thank our neighbors on Milbrook Road
for your prayers and support.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday at
11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Cemetery
Chapel with the Reverend Paul F. Angelicchio
officiating. There are no calling hours at
Cleo’s request. Arrangements are by the
Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home Inc., 218 West
Court Street.
Memorial contributions may be made in Cleo’s
name to the Golisano Children’s Center, 750
E. Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210 or to
your local humane society.
I asked
God for a flower;
And God gave me a garden.
I asked God for a tree;
God gave me a forest.
I asked God for a river;
God gave me an ocean.
I asked God for a friend;
God gave me you.
Cleo could fill a room with laughter.
However, on November 18 the room filled with
tears and became silent.
Lake Delta will be missing a true
friend this season, but his memory will be
sitting in Hotel Delta between Shawn and his
winter wife Mike Mastraccio. When you feel
that bite it’s just Cleo tugging at your
line. Don’t worry he’ll send that big one
your way. God Bless you guys, you’ll never
know how much he loved you.
Somewhere up in heaven, Cleo is
catching a big ole walleye alongside his dog
‘Gizmo’.
Love,
Gloria, Kevin & Angel
To offer online condolences, please
visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com
