Lawrence E. Valentine

Lawrence E. Valentine P.E. 1947-2023

Larry Valentine, age 76, of New Philadelphia passed away peacefully on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Born in Dennison, Ohio, on January 23, 1947, he was the son of the late Anthony J. and Martha J. (Ruffini) Valentine.

In 1965, Larry graduated from Immaculate Conception High School as the class valedictorian continuing his formal education at The Ohio State University where he earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Master of Science degrees. While in grade school, Larry met his future wife and the love of his life, the former Carol Beamer. Together, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Jen, who adored her father. Carol and Larry resided in Cuyahoga Falls until 2016 and shared 52 years of marriage. No regrets!

He was a member of two honorary fraternities: Tau Beta Pi and Chi Epsilon. Larry enrolled in ROTC and served two years as a Lieutenant in the Army Quartermaster Corps. While in the military, Larry was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

Following his military service, he and Carol moved to Cuyahoga Falls where he worked for the Ohio EPA for four years. Larry was a Professional Civil Engineer holding the highest Ohio Water and Wastewater licenses. His servant leadership was portrayed in his professional life where he served as the Water Utilities Superintendent for the City of Cuyahoga Falls, retiring after 28 years of service.

Larry was an honorable man who acted with compassion and integrity. His words were honest and to the point. His deeds were charitable. Larry received several prestigious awards while serving the water industry including The George Warren Fuller Award and several membership awards. He also served as Chair and International Director of the American Water Works Association. After retirement, Larry served three utilities: Service Director for City of Monroe Falls, Marketing Director for Aqua Ohio and Water Consultant for AEGIS Insurance Services from New Rutherford, NJ.

Larry achieved success in every facet of his life and will be remembered as a gentleman. His kindness, humility, passion for life and sense of humor will never be forgotten. He was a true servant and this was exemplified in many ways including his service to the Catholic church as Eucharistic minister and as chairman of the Finance Council at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Cuyahoga Falls for more than 30 years. Additionally, he served as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator to the Knights of Columbus. His greatest passion was his family. He loved to golf with his wife, watch OSU football and follow Cleveland sports teams.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; daughter, Jennifer (Scott) Valentine; sister, Nancy (David) Thompson; sisters-in-law, Rosalie Bolden and Christine Beamer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Ken Beamer, Richard Beamer Jr. (Betty), Robert Beamer (Linda), Jean Johnson (John) and Larry Bolden.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Christian Wake service beginning at 6:45 p.m. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 1:30 p.m. in Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia.

Memorial contributions in Larry’s memory may be directed to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 206 N. First Street, Dennison, Ohio 44621.