Gerald P. Valente

Born in Long Beach, CA, he was a son of the late Paul and Elvera (Brecht) Valente.

Jerry dedicated his life to education, starting as a Physical Education Teacher at Talbot Middle School before moving onto Durfee High School. He later accepted the position of Director of Health and Physical Education for the City of Fall River before retiring in 2006. A Graduate of the University of Rhode Island and Bridgewater State College, he also served in the Air National Guard of Rhode Island.

He was a member of the Fall River Country Club, The National Education Association, The Massachusetts Teachers Association, The Fall River Educators Association, The Parkinson’s Support Group in Dartmouth and served as a city Park Commissioner under former Mayor John Mitchell.

Along with his wife, survivors include his daughters: Christine Sullivan and her husband Joe of Glastonbury, CT and Stephanie Mediate and her husband Joe of Portsmouth, RI; his grandchildren: Connor, Hunter, Emily, Jacob, and Caitlin; his brothers and golf partner, Robert ”Bob” Valente and wife Debora of Portsmouth RI, Paul Valente and wife Billie Jane of Portsmouth, William Valente of Middletown, and Bruce Valente of Middletown; his sister, Debra Young and husband David of Portsmouth; his sisters-in-law, Susan St. Amour and husband Richard and Kathy Braga and husband Nelson; his lifelong friend, Ken Tremblay and wife Denita of Tiverton; his Physical Education family, who were there to support him every step of the way; his beloved dog, Jax, and several nieces and nephews.

An avid sports fan, Jerry enjoyed golfing, skiing and supporting the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. While working at Durfee, he coached volleyball and tennis. He and Donna enjoyed traveling, both in the United States and abroad. Above all, he loved attending his grandchildren’s activities. Jerry was known as a super fan at swim meets, volleyball games, school plays and dance recitals.

Jerry was a man of integrity who always had a kind word for those he met. Throughout his 30-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease and several bouts of skin cancer, he was never one to complain.

The family would like to thank the staff of Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice, Portsmouth, RI for their exceptional care and compassion over the last several years, especially Ann, Ashley, Melissa, Melissa and Kathy. They would also like to thank his nurse and avid sports fan, Maureen, for her kind and caring spirit.

His funeral will be held Monday, April 22, 2024 at 9 AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street Fall River followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 AM at Holy Name Church, Hanover Street Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery Fall River. Visitation will be held Sunday from 4 – 8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Massachusetts Chapter, 85 East Concord Street, Ground Floor, Boston, MA 02118. Also in Jerry’s memory, please remember to wear your sunscreen!