Valentino Americo Romagnoli

May 19, 1927 - August 4, 2014

Valentino Americo Romagnoli, age 87, passed away surrounded by loved ones on August 4, 2014 in Ruskin, Florida. Preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, he is survived by two daughters: Dr. Valerie Zimbaro and husband Ingmars Fridmanis of Riverview, FL, and Mary Lynn Dunham of Clearwater, FL. Survivors also include his grandson, Todd Pursel, wife Jan, and great-granddaughter, Kristin of Orlando, FL; granddaughter, Tracy Pursel White, husband Steve, and great-grandchildren, Mia and Cory of Buford, GA. Valentino was born on May 19, 1927 in Alpha, New Jersey and lived with his predeceased parents, Americo, Sr. and Mary (Armao) Romagnoli, and surviving brothers Albert, Americo, Jr. "Coonie," Joseph, and Anthony (predeceased). As a young man in the 1940s, Valentino "Val" began nearly a decade-long military career with service in multiple branches including the U.S. Merchant Marines, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force. Upon completion, he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Caroline Bonner of Easton, Pennsylvania, and built their family home in Alpha, New Jersey. During the following years, he owned and operated "Val's Salvage Yard" and later became a professional Auctioneer in his successful business, "Val's Auction" serving the tri-state area. After closing his business in 1981, Val and his wife achieved their dream of "living on the water" by retiring to a home on the Little Manatee River in Ruskin, Hillsborough County, Florida. After moving to Florida, Val and his wife, both avid dancers, enjoyed an active social life by joining a vibrant civic circle: the Ruskin Moose Lodge #813, in 1983. During his membership in the Moose Lodge, he was honored for "outstanding efforts in civic affairs and devotion to duty." In addition, he was acknowledged both locally and regionally for the following awards and executive positions: Governor (1989), Fellowship Degree (1991), "Moose of the Year" (1991), District Vice President (1991), District President (1993-94 and 1994-95) and the 25 Member Club. Throughout his remaining years, Val Romagnoli continued to live fully, laugh often, and love much. He was a vivid storyteller, a memorable "character," and he will be greatly missed. In his memory, and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Life Path Hospice, Green Team, Ruskin, FL. There will be no calling hours, and arrangements are under the direction of Zipperer' s Funeral Home, Ruskin, Florida, whose online memory book contains a complete obituary