Valerio Poliuto

Valerio "Val" Poliuto of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, at the age of 85. He will be remembered fondly for his profound kindness and his friendly, outgoing attitude toward everyone he met.

Val grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in 1959. An avid athlete in his youth, Val loved playing baseball, starting in Little League and continuing all the way through high school. He played in the Babe Ruth league after high school and his parents and siblings enjoyed going to watch him play. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Business Science (BBS) degree in Accounting from the University of Detroit.

Val began his career working for Manufacturers Bank and the Internal Revenue Service in Detroit. He later achieved his CPA certification and successfully established his own tax and pension administration business. While living in Grosse Pointe, Val stayed highly active by sailing, playing tennis, and competing in numerous bowling tournaments.

In 1989, Val sold his business and relocated to Tallahassee, where he worked for Sam’s Club and the Florida Department of Revenue. Val was a Christian and a member of North Florida Baptist Church. He met his future wife, Hattie, at Sunday school in 2004. The two were wed on March 15, 2005. In his later years, Val filled his time with a diverse array of hobbies, including playing classical guitar, woodworking, photography, and playing golf. He also enjoyed giving back to his community and volunteered by delivering Meals on Wheels and visiting patients in nursing homes.

Val was predeceased by his loving parents, Joseph and Anna (Grippi) Poliuto; his sister, Angeline Mueller; and his brother, Joseph Poliuto (aka Paul Varda).

He is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years, Hattie Poliuto; his sister, MaryAnn VonValtier (Eric); and his daughters, Michelle Pitters (Phil) and Lori Nurmikko (Calvin). He leaves behind a lasting legacy through his 8 grandchildren: Andrew Pitters (Amanda), Whitney Chaundy (Nick), Stefanie Damman (Tripp), Jenna Miller (Drew), Ashley Nurmikko (Jesse Jones), Nicholaus Nurmikko (Brooke), Adam Pitters (Emma), and Lindsey Daka (Zef). Val is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews, and dear friends—all of whom will miss him terribly. He is also survived by his devoted caretakers, Neesha Martin and Jo’Ann Ammons, whom we lovingly consider family. Though our hearts are heavy with his passing, we find comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and that the love and memories he created will remain with us always.

The family would like to thank the staff at Big Bend Hospice for the compassionate care, comfort, and kindness they provided during Val’s final days at the Margaret Z. Dozier Hospice House.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday August 5, 2026 at Culley’s Meadowwood Funeral Home, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312. Visitation at 1:00pm, funeral service at 2:00pm and burial at Roselawn Cemetery at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dementia Society of America online at www.dementiasociety.org.