John A. Valley 1934-2019

John was born March 9, 1934, and lived a very beautiful life for 85 blessed years.

John grew up in Youngstown and attended Ursuline High School, where he enjoyed playing basketball and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003. He enjoyed golfing, horseracing and was an avid sports fan of the Cleveland Browns, Indians and Cavaliers.

John’s career started off working at Truscon Steel. In 1954, he established a successful and prospering catering business, The House of Valley, which grew into what is today known as Valley Foods. Valley Foods provides food to the U.S. military and is also involved in disaster relief efforts working with FEMA. John was actively involved in the business even at 85 years old.

During his life, John was president of Girard- Liberty Rotary Club, and president of the Liberty Little League. He donated to many charities in the community.

His greatest joy was his children, grandchildren, and his wife, MaryAnn. John especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren in the many sports they participated in and it brought him much joy.

John is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 64 years, Mary Ann Theodore Valley; his four children, John M. Valley, Linda Valley Giambattista, Debbie Valley and Jeff Valley; his seven grandchildren, Katie Cerimele, Lindsay (Chris) Giambattista Cox, Justin Giambattista, Jenna Valley, Tyler Leonard, Trace Leonard and Trevor Leonard; his two great-grandchildren, Hunter Burnett and Lincoln Giambattista; his brother, Tony Valley; a sister, Clara (Sam) Casale; his sister-in-law, Carolyn Harklerode; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

A 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, at St. Rose Church, 48 E. Main St., Girard, with the Rev. John A. Zuraw officiating.

Family will receive friends and relatives 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Taylor’s Closet Foundation, 1227 NE 8th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33304 or at www.taylorcloset.org. The Foundation was founded by John’s granddaughter, Lindsay Giambattista, in honor of her twin sister and John’s granddaughter, Taylor Giambattista, who died at birth.

Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to John’s family.

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