John P. Valentino, 88, of Lancaster, entered into eternal rest at his daughter's home in Willow Street on Friday, January 17, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of late John and Anna (Tordini) Valentino.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Janet L. (Templeton) Valentino in 1996, and by his in-laws Daniel and Dorothy Templeton.

He served our country in WWII with the US Army Air Corps as a B-29 Navigator in the Pacific Theater from 1944-1947.

A devout Catholic, John was a lifelong member and a loyal usher of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

A 1943 graduate of J.P. McCaskey, he earned 12 varsity letters during high school in soccer; basketball; track; gymnastics; and cheerleading. He was inducted into the J.P. McCaskey Athletic Hall of Fame, and was awarded as a Distinguished Alumni. He was also inducted into the PA Sports Hall of Fame. Also, received the J. Freeland Chryst Annual Sports Achievement Award from the Lancaster County "Old Timers" Athletic Association. At McCaskey, John was the PIAA Eastern Regional State Champion in gymnastics. At Penn State, he was the Eastern Intercollegiate Tumbling Champion in 1944.

While at McCaskey, John was president of his junior class and vice-president of his senior class. He was elected and served as Lancaster's Youth Mayor for a Day in 1943.

John attended Penn State University in 1944 before he was enlisted into WWII. After returning, he completed his education at Franklin & Marshall College in 1951 with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics.

He retired from the General Accounting Office of the United States Government as an Audit Manager.

John grew up in an Italian family and worked the family restaurant, Valentino's Café, a Lancaster institution his entire life. He was owner and operator with his family up until his daughters took it over. He was very proud of that. He was well known for his talent with the accordion, which he played every Thursday evening in the Valentino's Band at the Cafe.

His other interests were fishing, boating, camping, golfing, and hunting. He was a member of The Lancaster Elks Club #134; Knights of Columbus Council #867; The Italian American Club of Lancaster; The Lancaster Italian Cultural Society; and the Millersville VFW Post 7294. In earlier years, he and his brother, Rudy, coached diving for Lancaster County Special Olympics.

He is survived by his four daughters, Suzanne Valentino, of Lancaster,; Linda Valentino of Millersville,; Valerie Friedel, wife of Randall, of Mississippi; Deborah Helm, wife of Eugene, of Willow Street; four grandchildren, Joshua Friedel, husband of Courtney; Krystle Friedel; Katie Snook, wife of Nathan; Lindsay Helm; two great- grandsons, Lincoln Friedel and Carter Snook. Two siblings also survive, Rudolph "Rudy" Valentino of Lancaster, and Esther Duffy, of Lancaster. He is also survived by in-laws Daniel and Leslie Templeton,; Dick and Dottie (Templeton) Dunn, and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Celebrate John's Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, January 27, 2014, at 11AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut St. Lancaster, PA 17603 with Father Michael Messner as Celebrant. Viewings will be held on Sunday (4-7 PM) in the Chapel at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr., Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, with a time of sharing tributes at 7PM. A second viewing will be held Monday at the church (9:30 – 11AM). Interment will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Sacred Heart Church or the Humane League of Lancaster County 2195 Lincoln Hwy E. Lancaster, PA 17602.