Edward F. Valenta, Jr., “J.R.”

J.R. proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 until 1958, then later retired from U.S. Steel, Clairton Works, where he worked in the powerhouse. He was a member of the Bowman Club and AMVETS in North Versailles. He was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, formerly St. Robert Bellarmine Church in East McKeesport. J.R. enjoyed going to casinos, his camp at Cook Forest, fishing, and working in his garden. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth “Betty Ann” Gubanic Valenta; children, Noreen (Frank) Cortazzo of Port Vue, PA; Edward F. (Alexis) Valenta, III of Plum, PA; grandchildren, Frank Cortazzo; Nick (Jaclyn) Cortazzo; and Cash (Jenna) Cortazzo; great-grandchildren, Frank; Angelina; Nico; Luca; Rocco; and Matteo Cortazzo; brother-in-law, Robert “Bobby” Gubanic; niece, Meri Beth (Larry) Furlong; great-niece, Savannah Furlong; and great-nephew, Liam Furlong. Family and friends will gather at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177) on Sunday, January 22, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., when prayers will be held in the funeral home chapel with son-in-law, Frank Cortazzo and friend, Mark Pudlowski officiating. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com