Alton Emilio Valentini

Al was born in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, January 16, 1949 to Orlando “Val” and Dorotea “Dora” Valentini. He was raised in Dearborn, Michigan and was a 1967 graduate of Fordson High School and briefly attended Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, MI.

Alton was accepted into the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, but declined and chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy. After attending boot camp, he was temporarily assigned to the USS Iwo Jima when it was deployed to Vietnam.

Because of his high scores on the ASVAB Math/Verbal/Mechanical/Electrical) test, he was sent to a U.S. Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC), which is known for its rigorous training program. Afterwards, he was assigned to the Navy’s first nuclear powered ship, the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65), where he served the majority of his enlistment.

During his time in the Navy he earned the National Defense Medal, First Good Conduct Award, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Meritorious Unit Commendation.

After the Navy, Alton sought a career to support his family, and decided to be trained as a truck driver. He was employed by E & L Transport Company until his retirement.

Alton is survived by his wife, Nancy Valentini, his oldest daughter, Jessica (Dave) Stachlewitz, and their two sons, Zachary (17), and Hudson (16). Also, his daughter, Sarah (Timothy) Tottingham, and their children; William (24) (Allison), Andrew (22), and Sophia (17). Also, his youngest daughter; Crystal (David) Milutin; and their children; Corbin (16), Dawson (13), Eden (11), and Emily (8).

Alton is also survived by his siblings; Dan (Leslie) Valentini, Carol Payne, and Orlando Jr. "Lonnie" (Nancy) Valentini. As well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and many other loved ones.

Alton and Nancy attended New Wine Fellowship Church in Waterford, MI, but had many friends and those who he considered family at New Life Christian Fellowship in Highland, MI, and Grace Emmanuel Church in Novi, MI.

Alton will forever be remembered for his kindness, his love of God and God’s Word, his ability to teach God’s Word in profound ways, his love for everyone he met, for getting on the floor to play with kids and speak love and life over them, for his intelligence, and for never missing an opportunity to tell a story or joke. His stories are legendary and live on in all of our hearts. We will forever be grateful for Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross that paved the way for him to be in Heaven; and for all who choose to follow Jesus’ path to reunite us with the loved ones who have gone before us.

Alton is preceded in death by his father Orlando Valentini, mother, Dorotea Valentini, brother-in-law Jerry Payne. Also, his father-in-law; Eldon King, and mother-in-law Anna Lee King, brother-in-law; John King, and sister-in-law, Carol Cunningham.

A viewing will take place at Elton Black and Sons Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM. Located at 3295 East Highland Road Highland, MI 48356.

The funeral service will be held at Freedom Center Church 2473 Shiawassee Avenue Fenton, MI 48430 on Thursday, February 19, 2026 with a short Visitation from 10:00 AM-10:30 AM before the Funeral Service at 10:30 AM-11:30 AM

Burial Service will take place at the Great Lakes National Cemetery at 12:30 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026 located at 4200 Belford Road Holly, MI 48442 where he will be buried with full military honors.

Memorial Donations maybe made to the Gideons.