Massachusetts, died March 11, 2021; he had been a resident of Naples since 1975.
In April 1942, Frederick enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. After the war ended in Europe, he remained as part of the occupation forces. He was instrumental in making sure the P-51 Mustang fighter airplanes were airborne as Crew Chief. Then later as Line Chief in charge of all maintenance operations, that included escorting of the B-17 Flying Fortress over Germany. His flying status was Aerial Engineer. For his war efforts, he received the distinguished Commendation Medal, for sustained acts of exceptional meritorious service with the 97th Airdrome Squadron. While stationed in North Carolina, he played baseball for the USAAF National Team where he played against the Hall of Famers, Yankees’ Joe DiMaggio and ace pitcher Charles Red Ruffing. He proudly held the rank of Tech Sergeant with the 409th Fighter Squadron upon his honorable discharge.
Mr. Valentine was employed in 1940 by Wiggins Airways in Norwood, MA, where he held the position of Vice President and Corporate Director. During this period he also attended Northeastern University in Boston, MA. During his career, he was presented the prestigious FAA Safety in Aviation, the highest achievement awarded to an individual. In 1975, he joined PBA Airlines, located in Naples, Florida, as Vice President and Corporate Director until his retirement in 1984.
While residing in Norwood, Massachusetts, Frederick was very active in community affairs. He was a former Director of the Norwood Cooperative Bank, Norwood Bank & Trust Company, and South Shore Bank. He served as President of the Norwood Lions Club, and was elected at the Massachusetts State Convention as District Governor for District 33K in 1962, overseeing 52 clubs. In politics, he was elected a Town Meeting Member for 18 years and served as Chairman of the Industrial Economic Committee. He was active in youth sports programs in Norwood and served as Vice President of the Pop Warner Football program.
Frederick is survived by his sons, Dr. Frederick Valentine, Jr. & his wife Nancy of N. Easton, MA, Stephen Valentine of New York City, Kenneth Valentine & his wife Dr. Jennifer McErlean, of Albany, NY; his daughters Carol Valentine & her husband Mitch Borcherding of New York City & East Hampton, NY, Diane Pare & her husband Michael of Oxford, MA; nine grandchildren, Jeffrey Valentine of N. Easton, MA, Dr. Jake Valentine & his wife Amanda of Baltimore, MD, Mia Valentine of Albany, NY, Michael, Elena, Maria, Nicholas & Lisa Iudiciani all of Oxford, MA, Brett Borcherding of New York City & East Hampton, NY; one great grandchild, Clyde Valentine of Baltimore, MD. He loved his children and grandchildren and was extremely proud of their many professional, scholastic, and athletic achievements.
Frederick was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Dora (Castrucci), in 2004, and by his brother, Larry Valentine.
Visitation will be held at the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street, Norwood, MA, on Sunday, March 21, from 3-7PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Norwood on Monday, March 22, at 11AM. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery (Bourne-Cape Cod, MA) at 1:45PM. A celebration of Frederick’s life will be held tentatively in the summer of 2021; please check GilloolyFuneralHome.com for updated information.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made (tax deductible) in Frederick’s memory to the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, 43 Stewart Terrace, Belmont, MA 02478.
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