LCDR Charles A. Valentino, USCGR
A date has been set for the Memorial Service for LCDR Valentino (see below obituary). The service will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2004 at 1100 hrs. in the Father Capodanno Memorial Chapel, New York Avenue, Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, New York. POC is SCPO Frank Gorman, cell# 908-433-6147, or fgorman@actny.uscg.mil
02/02/04 Submitted by: PSCS Frank Gorman, USCGR
LCDR Charles A. Valentino, USCGR
LCDR Charlie Valentino passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2004, after a courageous two year battle with cancer. He was 52 years old. LCDR 'V' enlisted in the USCGR in September 1969, and drilled at the CG Reserve Center in Jersey City and Support Center New York on Governors Island. He rose to the rank of PS1, and was above the cut for CPO, when he attended ROCI in 1987, and was commissioned as ensign. As an officer, he served at Group Rockaway, and as XO and CO of Reserve Unit Sand Hook, before returning to Governors Island as an ADMIN & Training Officer in 1995. ON GI, he was involved in the base closure, protection and relocation of the CG to Ft. Wadsworth in 1997. At Fort Wadsworth, he worked as a Reserve ESO, and in the Marine Response Division. On September 11, 2001, LCDR 'V' was performing his ADT when the WTC & Pentagon were attacked. His ADT was quickly converted to Title Ten Recall Orders. During the crisis period after 9/11, he coordinated logistical support for all CG assets that responded to NY Harbor. These included three WMEC's, two TACLETS, a PSU, over 100 reservists, and 100 TAD active duty members. He remained on Title Ten orders until June of 2002, at which time he accepted a three year Extended Active Duty Contract, to serve as the Assistant Chief of the Admin Division for CG Activities New York.
An avid runner, LCDR 'V' was seen running on a daily basis around the grounds of Ft. Wadsworth. In late June '02, he noticed he was getting winded too easily, and went to medical for a check up. Sadly, he was diagnosed with lung cancer (not tobacco related). Between treaments and surgeries, he would return to duty as often as possible, scheduling treatments as often as feasible for Fridays, so he could recover and return to duty on Mondays. His heroic fight and example were an inspiration to all who knew him.
LCDR 'V''s awards included a CG Commendation Medal, the DOT 9/11 Medal, two CG Achievement Medals, Three Commandant Letters of Commendation, two SECDOT Outstanding Unit Commendations with 'O' Device, four unit commendations with 'O' device, four meritorious unit commendations with 'O' device, six CG Reserve Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Medal with two bronze stars, Special Operations ribbon with four bronze stars, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Gold Hourglass and 'M' Devices, and the CG Rifle and pistol marksman ribbons.
Mr. Valentino is survived by his wife, Marybeth, and their son, Marcus. Condolences may be sent to the family at 55 Woodland Road, Chatham, NJ 07928. He is also survived by his brother fireman at the Chatham Volunteer Fire Department. In his civilian life, he worked many years as a fire inspector and code enforcement officer for several municipalities. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to a charity of your choosing in memory of LCDR Valentino.
A Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated for LCDR Valentino on Tuesday, January 27 at Saint Patrick's Church, Chatham, NJ. After cremation, Mr. Valentino's ashes will be interred at Arlinton National Cemetery on a date to be determined.
A memorial service will be held at the Father Capodanno Chapel on Fort Wadsworth on a Saturday in March, specific date TBD. Point of Contact is PSCS Frank Gorman, cell # 908-433-6147, or fgorman@actny.uscg.mil.
01/28/04 Submitted by: PSCS Frank Gorman, USCGR
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