| Cancer claims PEF activist |
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| Long-time PEF activist Michael Valentino
died in early January after a long battle with cancer. He had served as a council leader at Walkill Correctional Facility, Region 9 Political Action Committee chairman, a convention delegate and as a member of PEF's Executive Board from 1985 to 1995. "Mike will always be remembered as a PEF activist who advocated for his constituents, and he will be missed by his family and those of us who were fortunate to have known him," said PEF President Roger Benson. Valentino, who was 55 at the time of his death, had worked as a librarian for 22 years at the Walkill Correctional Facility in Ulster County. Born in Schenectady, he was a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College, and the University at Albany, where he earned a master's degree in library science. He also served with the 109th Air Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Glenville as a technical sergeant assigned to the Aero Medical Evacuation Support Team. Valentino is survived by his wife, Barbara, his son, Michael of Boston, his mother, and a sister. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westchester Medical Center, Department of Trauma and Surgery, East View Hall, Valhalla, NY 10595. Cards of condolence may be sent to his wife at 8 Delaware Road, Newburgh, NY 12550. - Mary Caroline Powers PEF member remembered with marathon run Steve Pardee, PEF
member and state Department of Transportation engineer,
will join hundreds of other marathon runners on April 16
in England to raise money for leukemia patients in
upstate New York. The run will also serve as a tribute to
his friend and former co-worker, Gary Houde. |
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