Michael Brian Valenti

Michael is survived by his beloved wife and companion of 25 years, Maritza Suarez-Valenti; his five beautiful and independent children, Lisa (Louie) Benitez of Cape Coral, FL, Benjamin (Betsy) Valenti of Fulton, MD, Elizabeth (Mary) Murray of Columbus, OH, Michael (Elle) Valenti of Walkersville, MD, and Daniel Valenti of Denver, CO and their mother Nancy K. Houk; his siblings, Joan (Tom) Wagner, Arlene Butka, Anthony (Karen) Valenti, and Noel (Rodger) Valenti Grammer; his 7 beautiful granddaughters; his 3 nephews & 4 nieces; and his loving chocolate lab Sophie.

Michael was born May 8, 1951, in Baltimore, MD to Anthony Michael & Eleanor (nee Bienert) Valenti. He attended Our Lady of Pompei Grammar School and graduated from Calvert Hall High School in 1969. While attending Loyola College, in 1971, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was active for almost 2 years and then a reservist for 3 years. As a result of his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal. In 1976, he graduated from Loyola College in Baltimore with a BA in Accounting, earned his CPA, and graduated with an MBA from Mt. St. Mary’s College in 1980.

His nearly 4-decade long finance career spanned accounting, mortgage banking, and financial consulting. His career started at Fannie Mae as an Accounting Supervisor and, after 12 years, finished as Director of a large software project. He went on to work as an independent financial consultant for several mortgage banking clients, before becoming Chief Financial Officer for Manders Decorating, until retirement in 2018.

Michael was accomplished at cooking and well known for his pasta dinners with homemade meatballs and garlicky Caesar dressing. He loved entertaining and any excuse for large family meals. He was passionate about family and made it his mission to ensure his children knew how important it is. He shared an enthusiasm for travel and adventure with Maritza, journeying throughout the U.S. and internationally. Michael was intensely proud of being of Italian descent and gained his dual U.S.-Italian citizenship in 2019. He also embraced Maritza’s Peruvian identity and her family, food, and culture were important ingredients in his life.

Michael was a dedicated member of the Catholic church. His active involvement ranged from being an altar boy to attendance at St. Joseph Preparatory Seminary in Princeton, NJ, to acting as a Marriage Encounter counselor and a regular lector. He grew up in the neighborhood of Highlandtown in Baltimore. He always talked highly of the city and often reminisced about his childhood memories playing in Patterson Park, watching movies at the Grand Theater, activities at Red Shield Boys Club with his brother, trips to the Arundel Ice Cream parlor, and stick ball in the street. And of course, he was a diehard fan of all Maryland sport teams including the Terps, Orioles, and Colts/Ravens.

A memorial mass is scheduled for Monday June 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hydes, MD. All are welcome to attend this celebration of Michael’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Michael Valenti requests your consideration in donating to Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS), 2490 Giles Road, Baltimore, MD 21225 or by visiting https://www.barcs.org/tribute In memory of Michael B. Valenti