John Valenti

John "Curly" Valenti, age 83 of Warren, died Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Macomb Center in Warren. He was born April 24, 1931 in Detroit, son of the late John and the late Jennie (nee: Russo) Valenti.With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to John for his service to our country during the Korean War era as part of the United States Marine Corps. For answering the call to duty with bravery and patriotism, we extend our posthumous gratitude for his willingness to stand in harm's way for the cause of freedom.John's career choice was centered in the retail industry with his first major venture being part of the sales force at the once prominent, Hughes & Hatcher clothiers. From there he eventually transferred his skills to the retail giant, J.C. Penney's. At both venues, Curly was that well-dressed & dapper gentleman who was there with a smile and ready to adorn his customers in some fine threads. The family reflects, with humor, on what a snappy dresser he was when working,…then how it all went south upon his retirement. When he wasn't working, Curly's entertainment pleasures were highlighted by the movies he enjoyed on the Turner Classic channel, his particular favorites being the John Wayne movies. His other television favorite was the iconic game show, Jeopardy. His listening pleasures included the smooth sounds of jazz, and the crooning classics of Frank Sinatra,…and you'd often find him enjoying his favorite reading material, the celebrity books and magazines.For pleasures outside of the house, Curly was quite proud of his gardening prowess when it came to his precious tomatoes. He nurtured his tomato plants with the utmost in TLC, and was always ecstatic to see his hard work come to fruition. He was also quite fond of his trips to Las Vegas and the opportunity of giving Ol' Lady Luck a run for her money. Curly was known for being an intelligent guy, and he must have been quite persuasive, as well, as he always managed to get his children to polish his shoes. If you wanted to get on his good side, all you needed was a can of spam or some pickled herring, and you were in like Flynn.Yet of all his pleasures and favorite things in life, nothing could match the love and care he held for his family and loved ones. From the children he was blessed to raise with Betty by his side,…to his amazing grandchildren and great-grandchildren,…Curly's quiver was full with love abounding. He leaves a storehouse of memories for all to draw upon who were blessed to know him, and he will be missed immensely. John was the beloved husband of Betty J. Dearest father of Mark (Alane) Valenti, Sandra (Denny) Parsons, and James V. Valenti. Loving grandfather of Kristen (Kevin) Horak, Kevin Parsons, Stephen Valenti, Jonathan Parsons, and great-grandfather of Hailey, Avery, and Brody. Dear brother of Sally and Joseph. Preceded in death by siblings; Christine, Mike, Sam and Tony. He also leaves nephew, John,…and a second nephew, Johnny, of whom the two shared a very special bond throughout the years.Visitation for Curly will be held Friday, April 24th. (John's 84th. Birthday) from 5 -9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. Funeral Services to be held on Saturday, April 25th, 11:00 am at the funeral home. Memorial donations are welcomed to the American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076 – Attn: Memorial Department. Please share memories of Curly at his memory book above.