Chris Valente, 75, passed away on March 3 in Dana Point, surrounded by family. His children, 11 grandchildren and his community were his passion. He loved working with people.
Chris was born in Utica, N.Y., in 1941. He served in the U.S. Army and graduated from UCLA. He was a civics teacher at St. Francis High School for 25 years, starting in 1965. Chris met his wife, Nancy Baker Valente, in 1969 at Dr. Donald Kraus’ dental office on Foothill Boulevard, where she worked and he was a patient.
He was the first and only honorary mayor of La Cañada Flintridge and served on many community committees and organizations, including La Cañada Youth House Community Center for 25 years. He was also an LCF city councilman, Los Angeles County Youth commissioner, Les Tupper Award recipient, president of LCF Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club. After retirement, he volunteered at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach.
Chris is survived by his wife, Nancy Valente, his children Anne Marie Amigleo, Gina Wendt, Chris R. Valente, Teddy Valente and 11 grandchildren.
A service will take place on Friday, March 17, at 2 p.m., at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 29102 Crown Valley, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Once Upon A Room, www.onceuponaroom.org, 4926 Oakwood Ave, La Canada Flintridge or to Royal Family Kids (www.royalfamilykids.org).
