John P. Valencia, Jr.

Well, if you are reading this, I must have died. Do not mourn for me, but celebrate the good things from my life and comfort my loved ones. I asked my beloved wife, Carmelita, a.k.a., Mitzi to fill in the blanks and chose to advise you myself of my final thoughts.

I passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2020, but that's mere detail. More importantly, I was born December 8, 1947 to John P. Valencia and Elizabeth (Bennett) Valencia, now deceased, in Boston, Mass. I grew up in Westwood, Mass., enjoyed a wonderful and very happy childhood, and made some lifelong friends. I was hired on by AT&T in 1967, held multiple-discipline managerial positions and retired after 42 years as a financial management project engineer in August of 2009.

My career brought me to New Jersey in the mid 1970's, where I lived ever since. However, my allegiance never wavered from the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, which didn't make me too popular with the New York and Philadelphia crowds. The Red Sox finally did it in my lifetime, which sorry to say, Mom and Dad never witnessed.

My other passion was golf and I was a member of Oak Hill Golf Club for many years and held several Board positions, including four Presidencies, during my membership. I leave behind many treasured friendships and the beauty of the challenging course.

I leave two beloved brothers; Mark in Hawaii and Jimmy in Maine, and thoughts of a sister I never knew, Mary (deceased) and a beloved first cousin, Skip in Massachusetts. I also leave behind my treasured children; Chris and Lauren in Massachusetts, Carissa and Samantha in Wisconsin, and step-son Colby in New Jersey. My brothers gave me two nephews, Jon and Bennett and one niece, Aishah. I also leave five grandchildren, Kalyn, Jack, A.J., Owen, and Ryan.

Lastly, I leave my beloved wife Mitzi, who made my final years full of happiness…what an exceptionally nice person she is.

Again, do not mourn for me as I lived a very full life. I did some things I was not proud of (including smoking), but in the end I think the see saw points to the positive. As a final wish, I do ask that especially my family and friends bond together and help each other through the obstacle course of life.

You can say goodbye to me on Sunday, October 18, 2020 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Holland Township, NJ. A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 1 PM at the Westwood Old Cemetery in Westwood, Mass.

Gotta go now……………..

Memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to charity of one's choice.

Condolences

From: Dale & Tammy Hanna
To Mitzi and John’s family. We were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. “What a guy” is the first thing to come to mind. He was passionate, kind and so full of life. We will cherish our memories of him, especially holding court in his favorite seat at the Oak Hill Bar. Til we meet again ..... Dale & Tammy

From: Joey and Jackie
Mitzi and family, Please accept our deepest condolence on the sad passing of John. We were glad to have met him and found him to be such a jolly person. Praying for John’s reposed soul and for you to gain strength during this difficult times.

From: Monina Rodriguez Laki Paño
Our deepest condolences Mitzie and family. Prayers for John's eternal repose.

From: Chris J Agans
Fare thee well John. We'll miss the golf, pools, and conversations. See you on the other side... peace. Chris

From: Antonio B. Ramos
We never met face to face, but during our phone calls, you came across as a no- nonsense person. Thank you for loving Ate Mitzi and Colby. Rest in peace John. Ate Mitzi, you have always been one of the strongest in our generation, having taken on many challenges. You have always landed on your feet and we look up to you. You and Colby are in our thoughts and prayers.

From: Armie Jarin Bennett
Dear Ate - I'm thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time. Always, Armie

From: Vic & Monic Muriel
No more pain, John. May you rest in peace. We will look after Ateng. Ateng, you know we are always here for you. May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get through the days ahead. We love you!

From: Jess Gopez
Mitzi, Please accept my condolences on John's passing.

From: Tek, Lew and Debbie Major
We will miss Kuyang. John, had such exuberant spirit and we are so grateful to have had him as a brother. Debbie will never forget the candy trail Kuyang and Ateng set up from their driveway to her favorite water bed when we visited. Ateng, we love you and will always be here for you. John will always be our Kuyang.

From: Aishah
Aunty Mitzi & Colby, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so thankful Uncle John was surrounded by such loving and caring people such as yourselves. I have good memories of family reunions and visits to MA and NJ. Uncle John always made me feel so special, sending a Christmas card every year, no matter where in the world I was. I'm so grateful to have had that very special visit with him recently. May he rest in peace. We love you, Uncle John. And we love you, Aunty Mitzi and Colby.

From: Bee Martinez and family
Dear Mitzi, Our deepest condolences on the passing of John. May his soul rest in peace. We will include John and the family in our prayers. Take care. Tita Bee and family

From: Reret Bonoan
Dear Mitzi, my heartfelt sympathies on the loss of John. My prayers for the eternal repose of his soul and for strength and consolation for you and his family.

From: Bob Connelly
Bless you, John. I am happy that the path of our life's journey crossed. My condolences to Mitzi. Bob Connelly

From: Mark Angel
Dear Mitzi and family, I met John about 10 years ago when I joined Oak Hill and quickly realized what love and devotion he had for the club. Later he recruited me for a board position during which I found out how much time and effort he also devoted. His Oak Hill family will miss him as I'm sure you will, may he Rest in Peace. Blessings to you all.

From: Richard Lapinski
As I member of Oak Hill for about 25 years, I knew John from seeing him at the bar, but not well. I was so impressed by the format of his obituary. I presume that was his idea, and it was wonderful. Well done John, and rest in peace. We can't afford to loose a spirit such as yours, especially in these times. Condolences to his family and friends. R. Lapinski

From: George Clark
May John Rest In Peace my sincere condolences we will miss him. John introduced me to a great golf shot on #14 from under the pine trees on the right use your driver it works! Respectfully George

From: Andrew Kraft
My condolences to the entire Valencia family. I've been a member of Oak Hill since 2017 but I was not sure I ever met John. Today I saw his obituary and remembered him right away. We met at the bar a couple of times for pleasant afternoon conversation and laughter. I will always remember him as a nice man.

From: Kim and Carole
We might have disagreed on some things - your Patriots my Raiders, but agreed on others - our Celtics. Rest In Peace, John. Our condolences, Ate Mitzi and Colby. Know that we are here for you.

From: Cansfield Family
To Mitzi and entire Valencia family we send our deepest condolences. All of us here in Cansfield Family will carry fond memories of John for years to come. Such a nice man who I personally loved sharing a cold Stella or two! A golf swing we will never forget or hearing him talk about his feathered seven wood “hole in one” on #11 at Oak Hill. One of the most cherished things I will miss are the creative Christmas Cards from John and Mitzi. As I collect golf balls of places Ive played over the years there will be one logo ball that is always front and center on the golf rack “John & Mitzi PARFECT Together”. Will miss him dearly. With Love. The Cansfield Family

From: Jeremy Rosa
I am sorry for your loss Mitzi and the rest of John’s family. We always had fun visiting around Christmas time for the Chinese food marathon.

From: Rowena Ahlquist
Our deepest condolences! May God's peace, comfort and strength surround you at this difficult time. Hugs Ateng, Colby and to the rest of the family. Love you. Winnie and D

From: Fran Pesaresi and Family
Mitzi, our deepest heartfelt sympathy on John's passing. He was a truly dear friend. I will forever treasure the times spent with him. He has left an indelible impression on my life. God bless you and your entire family. Rest in peace..."forevah". Love to you all. Fran, Ranea, Syd

From: Sydney Pesaresi and Tommy Baska
To Mitzi: Sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was our favorite member at Oak Hill. He was a true friend to our family, and always looked out for our best interest. We will remember his sense of humor, and his nickname for Tommy (Helmet Head). He will be truly missed by everyone. Sincerely, Tommy and Sydney

From: mike gleason
Mitzi and Johns Family, Very sorry to hear of Johns Passing. I am lucky to have known John for 25 years while at Oak Hill. I was able to share many drinks and laughs with him over that time. Both my Son's Parker and Kevin were also lucky to have know John since they were 8 years old. We all got to play with John also and it was always a great time. He will certainly be missed.

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