Florestano Vittorio Valente's Obituary
Florestano Vittorio Valente, affectionately known as Forrest, peacefully departed this world on February 20, 2024, surrounded by the love of his devoted family
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Born on April 1, 1942, in Pedivigiliano, Italy, to Paolina Leone and Carmelo Valente, Florestano was the oldest of four siblings. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and his cherished sister, Bettina.
In 1960, Florestano immigrated with his parents to Salida, Colorado, before eventually settling in Salt Lake City in 1963. It was there that he met Linda Hughes, whom he lovingly married on June 20, 1965. Together, they were blessed with four children: Dino, Paola (Craig), Gianni (Rebecca), and Dominic (Misti), and their family blossomed to include nine grandchildren (Toni, Tyler, Zane, Jaxson, Amelia, Annabella, Landon, Kayden, Milo) and two great grandchildren, Rylee and Krew.
Florestano believed in the value of family and heritage, demonstrating, and teaching the value of hard work to be able to provide for his family. He dedicated 28 years of his life to the Salt Lake City Water Department, and at the age of 45, he ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing his own business, F&D Waterline.
His favorite moments were spent gathering around the dinner table with his brothers, Mario and Attilio, making sausage with his family, fishing, and many visits to Wendover.
Florestano loved going “home” to Italy where he spent long nights playing scopa, drinking wine with his friends and family, singing Calabrisela Mia, and dancing the Tarantella every time the opportunity presented itself. We will cherish the many videos of our Dad, Grandpa, Brother and Zio living his best life celebrating the heritage that he was so proud of.
Dad, you fought so hard to go “home” one last time. You are now free from the disease that caused your body to fail way before your heart wanted it to. Go cast your line, place your bet, and dance like everyone is watching because we are. Until we meet again, Ciao Bello!
Funeral Mass Service will be held at 11:00 am, March 1, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. 7405 S Redwood Rd, West Jordan, Utah. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Interment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery under the care of Neil O’Donnell Funeral Home.
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