Anthony John Valentino

Anthony John ?Tony? Valentino, age 83, died at home of his dear friends on February 4, 2007, following a courageous battle with cancer. Services are scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at 2:00 PM in the First United Methodist Church, Longview, with Dr. Pat Sparks and Reverend Jerry Turner officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 6, 2007, from 6:00-8:00 PM. A military graveside service will be held at Memory Park Cemetery following the service. Tony was born April 25, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late John and Frances Valentino. Tony served in the United States Marine Corps from 1942-1951; he served with the 2nd Brigade in World War II in the Pacific Theater and in Korea. Gunny Sgt. Valentino was an ordnance supply chief and a lineman. On October 21, 1943, he was united in marriage to PFC Margery Hunt in Washington, D. C. Before Tony?s arrival in Longview in January of 1953, Tony owned and operated a sporting goods business in El Dorado, Arkansas. With his first location at Avalon and Green, he later opened Tony?s Sporting Goods on Mobberly Avenue. He served this community for 50+ years, and continued to provide merchandise at Longview?s Trade Days weekend years after closing his store. Tony was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a founding member of the Men?s Bible Class and member of the Men?s Wednesday Morning Prayer Breakfast. He loved, God, Marines and friends ? being a caregiver to all he could. As a local Marine Chaplain, he was always interested in helping other people and doing community service; transporting vets to appointments in Shreveport; working on Toys for Tots, and numerous other volunteer organizations, such as Meals on Wheels. Mr. Valentino is survived by his niece, Joanne Ebert of San Antonio; niece, Karen Valentino of Chicago, and his sweet friend, Belle Spear of Longview. He is also survived by numerous ?cousins? and friends throughout Longview and East Texas. Mr. Valentino was preceded in death by his wife, Margery Valentino, his parents, two brothers and one sister. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Toys for Tots, or to a charity of choice. A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com

Anthony John Valentino

April 25, 1923 - February 4, 2007