Rudolph J. Valentine

Rudolph Joseph Valentine (Rudy) passed away on April 29, 2025 in Tuckerton, New Jersey. He was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on April 1, 1939, the only child of Helen (Vargasko) and Rudolph (Dolph) Valentine. A graduate of Naugatuck High School, Naugatuck, Connecticut, he was a standout member of the Greyhound football team. He continued his studies at the University of Bridgeport, playing football and earning a bachelor of science and master’s degree in physical education from Arnold College. After serving in the National Guard as a medic, he began his 38-year career in the Livingston school system, teaching physical education, health, and driver education, while coaching football, wrestling and track, concluding his career as athletic director.

In Livingston, he and his wife, Rose (Pacharz), college sweethearts, raised four children on SouthAshby Avenue.Awinning Little League coach and avid fan of the Mets and Jets, he often wore his favorite baseball cap honoring #17. Following his retirement, Rudy and Rose moved to their summer home on Long Beach Island, where they biked and kayaked, building lasting memories with family. Rudy was pre-deceased by his son, Joseph Michael Valentine (Heidi). He is survived by his devoted wife, Rose; his grateful sons, Daniel Arthur Valentine (Robin) and Stephen Otto Valentine (Daphne); his daughter, Erika Michele Valentine; nine adoring grandchildren, Owen Nicholas Valentine, Jenna Lyn Valentine, Griffin Ilon Valentine, Ryan Henry Valentine, Olivia Trudy Valentine, Caden Benjamin Valentine, Jackson Joseph Valentine, Lucas Henry Hildebrand Krapf and Noah Jonathan Hildebrand Krapf; and exchange student daughters, Marielisa Pieri and Tascha Krapf (Dan). He will be missed by his faithful dog, Lucky, and remembered with great respect and admiration by the students and athletes he taught and coached.

Donations can be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, www. myeloma.org, and the Jewish Community Center of Long Beach, Island www. jccoflbi.org.