Anthony D. Valentine

         Anthony 'Blondie' Valentine

      Anthony D. Valentine, 87, of Rome, passed away on Thursday, December  29, 2011, at Rome Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was  born in Rome, NY on January 7, 1924, son of the late Rocco and  Antoinette Giacone Valentine. Anthony attended local schools. He  served with the US Army during World War II. On September 30, 1944 he  married Wanda Powell in Canada. She was the love of his life, and  they had just celebrated 68 years of marriage. Mr. Valentine retired  from Rome Manufacturing where he was employed for several years. Upon  his retirement, Tony loved to fish and bowl. Blondie truly loved his  family, and cherished each memory until his final breath.

      Left to morn are his wife, Wanda; three sons and daughters-in-law,  Tony and Celestz Valentine, Washington Mills; Merland Valentine,  Floyd; Cleo and Gloria Valentine, Boonville; beloved grandchildren,  Brian and his wife Julie, Todd, Brad and Rachel, Sabrina and her  husband Michael, Angel and Kevin; six great-grandchildren; and a  sister-in-law Rose Valentine, Rome. He leaves behind a special niece,  Antoinette, and a very special nephew, Joseph; and also a special  family friend and co worker Ms. Anna Dole. He was predeceased by his  parents; a sister, Concetta (Dolly) Chumchek; a brother-in-law, Nick  Chumchek; and a brother, Ralph Valentine.

     The family would like to express a very special recognition to son Cleo who will always hold his dad's handprint in his heart. Rest in peace dear Father.

     Funeral services will be private. There are no calling hours. Burial  will be in St. John's Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home Inc, 218 W.  Court St.