Salvator "Sam" Valenza

Salvator “Sam” Valenza Sr. 1915-2018 of Rockford, passed away March 30, 2018. Born in San Cipirello, Sicily on October 12, 1915 to Benedetto and Rosalia (Cimino) Valenza. He lived with his parents in Sicily until he was 13 years old. In April of 1928, he immigrated, with his parents and siblings, to the United States and settled in Madison, Wisconsin. Sam is one of eight children and is one of three surviving children today.

He married Rose Ann Gulatta on November 29, 1941. Within two months of their marriage, Sam was drafted and inducted into the U.S. Army and reported for duty at Fort Sheridan, Illinois in February of 1942. After his training he was deployed to fight the war in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Sam was a proud World War II Veteran. Upon his return to the U.S.in 1945, he was an MP in Dunkirk, NY, guarding German prisoners. He received his Honorable Discharge on August 26, 1945.

Sam returned to Madison and started a family and has one son Salvatore “Sam” Jr. and then moved to Rockford. He owned a restaurant, a landscaping business and retired from Rockford Drop Forge in 1978. Sam was happily married to his loving and devoted wife, Rose for 59 years until her passing in 2000.

Sam was an active member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, where he ushered for many years.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and having his family over for pasta dinners. Since October of 2014, he has been a resident at The Bickford House in Rockford where he enjoyed interacting with people, card games and playing the bells. He was a member of the Loves Park Senior Center (GPAC) for many years.

Sam is survived by his son Sam Jr. (Mary) Valenza; grandchildren, Kevin (Melissa) Heideman, Erik Valenza (fiancée Annette Raymond), Lindsey (Mike) Zahniser; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Brady, Lexi, Brantley and Brayden; brothers, Ted (Helen) Valenza and Tony (Mardelle) Valenza; numerous nieces and nephews and loving friend, Gretchen Peterson. Also, special recognition to his niece Mary Jane Alongi for her love and support.

Predeceased by wife, Rose; parents, Benedetto and Rosalia; sisters, Mary and Vita; and brothers, John, Joe and Vince.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude to the amazing staff at The Bickford House and Heartland Hospice for all of their support and love.

Funeral Mass 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Avenue, Rockford. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from 8:30 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. prior to mass at the church. Online condolences may be submitted at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.