John S. Valenti

John S. Valenti passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his children on December 20, 2020 at the age of 91.

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.

While teaching, he started building his first home over his summer break. Eventually, he expanded throughout the year and developed a construction company which built custom homes, apartments and office buildings. For decades, he enjoyed being a business partner with his son, Greg. Now, Greg and his son, Vincent Valenti are carrying on John's legacy as partners in building custom homes and offices.

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.

John is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Shirley (nee Hamer); father, Stephano, and mother, Antoinette ( nee LaFata). He is survived by his four children, Steve (Beth) Valenti, Greg (Kathene) Valenti, Karen Ensign, and Jan Wadlington, also his loving sister, Geraldine Defoor, faithful canine Gracie, and feathered friend, Petey. John is also survived by nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Although John will be missed tremendously by his extensive family, friends and acquaintances, we envision that he is now strong, pain free and walking freely beside our mom. After six years apart, he was able to spend Christmas with our mom this year. He passed peacefully surrounded by love in his home which is where he wanted to be. John has touched and impacted everyone in his life, especially with his zest for living, resilience and kindness. Most people that have met him can share a tender or comical story about their encounter. John has led a good and full life. He has finished writing his story of his temporary home on earth. Now, he has been called to the kingdom where we hope and pray that he is receiving his heavenly reward.

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, 2021at 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. John S. Pruzin and Son Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements. For further information please visit Solanpruzinfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations for research for Inclusion Body Myositis would be appreciated. www.myositis.org/donate/

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.