WEST FAIRLEE, VT — Robert (Rob) Valenti, 61, a longtime resident of West Fairlee, VT passed away on October 1, 2020.
His parents, Frank A. Valenti and Veronica A. (Moore) Valenti, welcomed their beloved son on January 28, 1959 in Staten Island, NY. Rob began his career working with Bradford Securities before becoming an independent contractor installing cable boxes and performing cable work. In 1983, Rob began working with NYNEX telephone company in downtown Manhattan starting his career in Cable splicing.
After marrying Elaine Valenti, in 1984, and moving to Hartland, VT in 1987, the couple purchased their first home on Wild Hill Rd in West Fairlee, VT, in 1991, where he continued to work for the phone company, Verizon. He finished out his career with White Mountain Cable specializing in copper and fiber splicing, where he is sorely missed for his expertise in copper.
Wild Hill was the home where they raised 3 children, Brandi Austin (Valenti), Veronica Valenti and Robert Valenti. Rob’s life revolved around his children. He was an extremely involved and loving father, constantly volunteering to coach or help with sports, concerts and events.
After several years together, Rob married Ann O’Connor in February, 2020. As a couple they found joy in gardening and cooking new foods together. For the last 8 months of Rob’s life Ann took great care of him with devotion and love. Ann’s daughter Vanessa and Rob had a wonderful relationship from the first day they met. Rob’s family is very grateful to them for their care and devotion to him.
Rob was an outdoorsman, who early in life enjoyed camping, hiking, and canoe trips with his brothers and friends. Often retelling the story of surviving an epic night on Mt. Washington with 86 mph winds, with Joe Valenti, Hank Brant, Eddie Brennan, Joe Serge, and Glenn Applebaum. Later he enjoyed milder adventures, camping and going on trips with his children.
He participated in the Fresh air fund, allowing a youth living in New York City to live and explore rural Vermont. Fernando Molina quickly became a second son, and remained one throughout his life.
Rob had the brain of an engineer and the strength of an ox. He was known to be able to fix most anything. From building a full-size boat in his garage to building, an outdoor fireplace and grill; nothing was outside his skill set. He took pride in being “Mr. Fix It” and returning the magic to his kid’s toys.
One of Rob’s greatest passions was music, and he made sure to integrate it into the lives of his close friends and family members, especially his children. Songs by The Beatles, in particular, were fundamental to the soundtrack of his life, and a connection we will always have to him. Music was how he expressed himself, set the mood for a get-together, and it was an integral part of day to day life. He enjoyed going to concerts, but most remember him creating his own concerts in the backyard or basement of his home. To this day, there is still just “one more song,” before a jam session can end. Everyone especially loved Rob’s 4th of July parties. He was such a great host and entertainer. He would be grilling and jamming to his music and telling stories by the fire all day and evening.
One of Rob’s most treasured traits was his life of hospitality and service. He spent his life helping others, teaching his trades, opening his home and heart to others, and hosting some of the most memorable parties. He was the ultimate master of ceremonies.
Rob was well-known (and often teased by his children) for wearing his black and blue t-shirts with a single pocket on the chest, to store his pens, glasses and trident gum.
Rob will be missed by many but leaves behind his children, daughter Brandi Austin (Valenti) and her husband Andrew Austin, daughter Veronica Valenti, and son Robert Valenti. He also leaves behind his wife Ann O’Connor and her daughter Vanessa, his brother Frank Valenti and his wife Barbara Valenti, his sister Jodi Labukas, brother Joseph Valenti and his wife Sherri Friedlander, mother of his children Elaine Valenti (Orleman), his granddaughter Amelia Austin, and numerous other family members and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Valenti and brother-in-law John Labukas.
Donations may be made in Rob’s memory to:
Dartmouth Hitchcock’s Infusion Chair Project at D-H/Geisel Office of Development, Attn: Gift Recording, One Medical Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756
Bradford Elementary School’s Music Department, 143 Fairground Road, Bradford, VT 05033.
To leave a message of condolence, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.