Anthony L. "Tony" Valek

Born in Joliet, IL, on April 8, 1931, to the late Anthony E Valek and Anna (Jantolak) Valek, Anthony L (Tony) Valek entered into eternal life on July 8, 2025, in Naples, Florida.

Tony was a graduate of Joliet Township High School (Class of 1949) and both Greer Industrial School and Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, IL. He was employed by Fridget Meats in Chicago, and at Jewel Food Store in Melrose Park, IL.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Tony served his country during the Korean War.

In 1959, Tony married Dolores “Dee” Baudino and moved to Broadview, IL. In 1989, they retired to Naples, FL, where they spent many wonderful years together.

Tony loved golfing, bowling, gardening and the daily Crossword Puzzle. He was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Naples, the American Legion, Post 135. He was also a lifetime member of VFW Post 7721 and a former member of Lakewood Country Club.

Tony is survived by many loving nieces and nephews: Larry (Val) Juricic, Linda (the late Robert) Rymsza, Debbie (Larry) Magolan, Donna (Ray) Randich, Brian (Bea) Regganie, Bruce (Barb) Little, Randy (Char) Little, Laurie (Dan) Byrne and Kim Stevens. Also, special great niece and nephew, Amanda and Erik Brown, who lovingly cared for Tony and Dolores throughout the years. Best friends Vito and Karen Juknelis and wonderful friends and neighbors Rob, Vanessa and Sam Alvarez.

A tribute to his long life, Tony also leaves behind numerous additional great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Anna Valek, his beloved wife of 65 years, Dolores (Baudino) Valek, sisters Lillian (Theodore) Juricic, Dolores (Richard) Regganie, Joan (Bruce) Little, nephew Robert Rymsza Sr., niece Sandy (Regganie) Houser and great niece Stephanie (Rymsza) Schronski.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Blackburn Giegerich Sonntag Funeral Home 1500 Black Road Joliet. A Catholic wake service will follow at 10:00 a.m.

Relatives and friends will proceed to Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Romeoville, IL where Tony will be laid to rest beside his dear wife following military honors rendered by the United States Navy Honor Guard and committal prayers.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL 815-735-2125.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.