William R. “Billy” Valentine, Jr. – 66 of 44 Reynolds Ave. Hornell passed away on November 29, 2020 at St James hospital following a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Hornell on February 9, 1954, he was the 5th son of William & Ruth (Sheedy) Valentine.
Billy grew up in Hornell, graduating from Hornell High School in 1972. He served in Korea for 3 years as an MP for the US Army prior to his honorable discharge in 1975. Bill then continued to serve his country as a member of the US Army Reserves for 16 years, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant 1st Class.
He was employed as a mechanic/supervisor for many years at Morrison-Knudson (M-K) Corporation. As a contractor, he often traveled throughout the United States working on buses and rail cars, especially Maryland & California. He retired about 10 years ago.
Bill had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church. He was a member of the Hornell American Legion, the Hornell Association and the Hornell VFW where he served as a bartender.
He was a longtime fan of the Buffalo Bills (especially during the Super Bowl years) and loved watching the New York Yankees play. He enjoyed camping with his family, fishing with his boys, spending time with son in law, signing the books and hosting a few with his many friends at the American Legion, VFW and Association.
Billy was preceded in death by his father, William R. Valentine who died in 2009; his brother, Robert G. Valentine who died in 2017.
He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, the former Mary Ann Carella. Also surviving by his 3 sons, Jason Valentine of Gainsville, NY, William R. (Kenzie Mess) Valentine III of Gainsville, NY and Adam Valentine of Perry, NY; his daughter, Brittany (Bradley) Davis of Canisteo; his mother, Ruth Valentine of Hornell; his brothers, Tom (Theresa)Valentine of Hornell, Larry (Chrissey) Valentine of Hornell, Mike Valentine of Hornell, Tim (Bonnie Ross) Valentine of Canisteo, Jim (Judy) Valentine of Hornell, Mark (Sara) Valentine of Hornell, Rick Valentine of Hornell and Gary (Candi) Valentine of Elmira; his sister, Laurie (Mike) Adams of Hornell; 17 grandchildren; many nieces, nephews & cousins.
At Billy’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.
The Graveside Service for William R. “Billy” Valentine will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Friday at 10:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome. The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Bill’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.
I’m so sorry to hear about Billy’s passing. I have many fond memories from his years at the VFW. May God comfort you in the days ahead. In sympathy and love…..
My condolences to the Valentine Family.
RIP Billy.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. A good friend although it’s been years since I’ve seen him. I’ll remember him always with an easy going nature and a smile on his face. God bless Bill, his friends and family.