Theodore Valentine

Theodore “TEDI” spent his first several years on Long Island in mom and dad’s pink house on Orient Avenue in Brentwood, New York before moving to N. FT. Myers, Florida with his family in 1972. After a short return to New York, he returned to Cape Coral, Florida in 1980. He then spent the next 45 years living in the town he loved. Tedi came from a large extended family and developed an even larger circle of friends. Anyone who ever met him quickly realized that he had a heart and capacity to love that far exceeded his physical stature.

Tedi spent nearly his entire life in the food service industry as a waiter, host, bartender etc. If you ever visited Nevermind, Crue, or Trattoria Sicily, just to name a few, you likely knew Tedi, Little Ted, Just Tedi or some variation thereof.

In addition, Tedi had many areas of interest, he loved working out in the gym, hitting a round of golf, playing cards, going to New York City, or watching tennis live at the US. Open. What he enjoyed most of all is spending time with family and friends enjoying a good meal and a great bottle of wine.

Tedi was preceded in death by his parents Raymond Valentine and Margaret DeRosa and brother Domenick Sangiovanni.

He is survived by brother Peter Valentine of Cape Coral, Florida, and his family, brother Paul Valentine of Charlotte Harbor, Florida, and his family, and sister Ellen Laperriere (nee Valentine) of Unicoi, Tennessee. Also, his birth mother RoseAnn DeRosa of Cape Coral, Florida, and her children, Theresa DiFrancesco of Wycoff, New Jersey, Francis Cuomo of Naples, Florida, Joesph Carvelli of N. Ft. Myers, Florida Venus Carvelli-Barett of Ashville, Tennessee, Yolanda Sangiovanni, Ralph Sangiovanni of Cape Coral, Florida and Stephanie Sangiovanni of Cape Coral, Florida. Whether you called him your brother or your cousin, Tedi was one of 29 first cousins under our common ancestors Peter DeRosa and Ellen Vastano. Our siblings/cousins have many children and grandchildren. Tedi will be missed by one and all.

A celebration of life is planned for May 24th. Details regarding time and location will be made available as they develop.

In lieu of flowers, please send a picture of you and Tedi if possible and share a story about your relationship with him.