Valentino D. Tafoya

Valentino David Tafoya, loving husband, father and brother, passed from us on April 17, 2014 in San Antonio, TX. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Josie; his children Paula and Michael, David, Melissa and James, Christopher and Traci; his grandson Gabriel; and siblings Marcelo, Mary and Linda. Valentino was born on December 16, 1933 in Lorraine, OH. He grew up during the Great Depression and spent his summers picking cotton and produce alongside his family. A born athlete, he played football, basketball, baseball in school. Valentino served in the U.S. Army before graduating from Southwestern University. He spent 40 years in civil service, including a 5-year stint in the Philippines with his family. As part of the Silent Generation, Valentino was the best of the old world and the new. He was hard-working, traditional, stoic, and led by example to instill respect, loyalty and fairness in his children. He loved to cook and bake; and whether he was reading, learning the computer or taking Josie to the local art house theater, he was curious and open to the world around him. He was our protector and advisor, our intrepid family leader who taught us that everything would be okay as long as we were together. He loved playing golf, working on his lawn, watching the Cowboys and Spurs and most of all, taking care of us. A private memorial and celebration will be observed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.