Robert grew up in Fredonia, NY. He graduated from Fredonia High School in 1952. He excelled at Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Track, and later was a Charter Inductee of the Fredonia High School Alumni Sports Hall of Fame in July 2001. Following high school, he attended Michigan State University on a football scholarship. Later, Robert served his country honorably from November 1953 to October 1955 in the US Army in the 6th Infantry Regiment stationed at Templehauf Air Force Base in Berlin, Germany.
Robert had an admirable 40-year career at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, now known as National Grid. He began his career as a lineman in Fredonia, later transferring to Batavia as a Safety Director. After serving as a Line Department Supervisor, he retired as Superintendent of Transmission and Distribution of the entire Genesee Region, where he was highly respected by his employees. Following his retirement with Niagara Mohawk, he delivered flowers for his loving daughter-in-law, Sherry Valvo, at Floral Fantasies for many years.
Robert was an active member of the Fredonia Beaver Club, St. Nick’s Club, Notre Dame Prayer Group, Stafford Country Club, and The Cursillo Movement. He was a trustee of St. Anthony’s Church, and a volunteer at the Fredonia Fire Department.
Robert was completely devoted to his family. Robert loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and found great joy in spending time with them. Family, faith, and friends were his life. He had the ability to light up the room with his smile and treated everyone with respect. Robert lived his life to the fullest. He faced the end of his life with great pride and immense courage. He touched the lives of so many, and his legacy lives on through his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine (Giambrone) Valvo, following 66 years of marriage. He is also survived by his 4 loving children: daughter Sally (Michael) Dorigo of Batavia; son Robert J. “Bob” (Sherry) Valvo, Jr. of Batavia; daughter Susan (James) Kelly of Connecticut; and daughter Michelle (Scott Mase) Schlossel of Batavia.
Affectionately known as “Papa,” he is also survived by 7 cherished grandchildren: Sarah Tsirtsakis; Jennifer (Nicholas) Parisi; Samantha Valvo; Courtney (Joey) Baker; Joseph Schlossel; Morgan (Nicholas Napierski) Schlossel; and Caitlin Kelly. He is further survived by 9 great grandchildren: Nikolaos, Alexandros, Kaliope, and Kalomira Tsirtsakis; Gianna and Aria Parisi; and Amelia, Knox, and Paxten Baker. He is further survived by sister Sally Manuel of California along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Due to the on-going Covid-19 Epidemic the Valvo family will privately Celebrate Bob’s Mass of Christian Burial and entombment in the Rev. T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St., Batavia, NY 14020 in Robert’s honor.
TO ALL FAMILY, EXTENDED FAMILY & FRIEND: BOB’S MASS, COMMITTAL AND MILITARY HONORS WILL BE BROADCAST ON THE FUNERAL HOME WEBSITE www.tomaszewskifh.com BEGINNING AT 3PM WEDNESDAY MAY 20.
THE FAMILY OF ROBERT J. VALVO, SR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.
