Joseph MIlan Valentich
Joseph Milan Valentich, 83, died on November 4, 2016 in Beebe Health Care Center, Lewes, Delaware
Joe was born on March 19, 1933 in York Run, Fayette County, Pa., son of Michael and Susan (Bodish) Valentich.
Joe graduated from Georges Township High School in Fairchance, Pa.
He proudly served in United States Air Force during the Korean War, stationed in Korea and Japan.
Upon returning home, he attended Waynesburg University in Pennsylvania.
He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
He enjoyed traveling, cooking and playing the lottery. Joe also loved cars and passed that passion on to his children and grandchildren.
Joe was employed as an Electrician at Volkswagen of America in New Stanton, Pa., for ten years where he retired in 1989 when they ceased production in North America. He was the first local union President of UAW Local No. 2055 at Volkswagen and was instrumental in establishing the union at the company’s first U.S. manufacturing operation. Joe was an advocate of workers’ rights and worked with company, community and political leaders in Pennsylvania and nationally, including meeting with President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale on behalf of workers during his time in office.
He then started working at Rouge Steel in Dearborn, Michigan where he retired in 2004.
Joe had owned his own businesses in trucking and automotive body repair during his career, and also worked in steel mills in the Pittsburgh, Pa., and the Youngstown, Ohio area.
He leaves his loving wife, Alice, whom he married on May 10, 1969; his children: Joseph (Melissa) Valentich Jr. of Birmingham, Michigan, Jay Valentich (Mimi Yablonsky) of Pittsburgh, Pa., Hallie (David) Fraser of Southgate, Michigan, Michael (Ginny) Valentich of Euless, Texas, Lance (Becky) Valentich of Arlington, Texas, Lyle (Teena) Valentich of Niles, Ohio; his grand children: Alexander, Amanda, Matthew, Vanessa, Ryan, Chandon, Spencer, and Heidi Valentich; greatgrandson Ethan; and sister-in-law, Margaret Valentich; along with other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Elmer Valentich Fred Valentich, Edward Valentich, Isabelle Sova, Edith Franco, and Eleanor Lease.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 12 Noon at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 280 Mill Creek Drive, Boardman, OH 44512 with Pastor Jody Dorsett officiating.
Visitation will be prior to the service, from 11 a.m. to 12 Noon, at the Church.
The DAVIS-BECKER FUNERAL HOME, 11 Spring Street, Boardman, OH 44471 is handling the arrangements.