Lawrence Stephen Valenti
May 24, 2021
Larry Valenti, 65, after a short roller coaster journey with a rare blood cancer, myelofibrosis, joined the church triumphant on May 24, 2021. He was born on February 7, 1956 in Tampa, Florida, the son of Diana Liles Valenti and the late Frank S. Valenti. A proud graduate of Tampa Jesuit High School with both bachelors and master’s degrees from Duke University, Larry was a life-long learner with a passion for travel, Tampa Bay sports, dogs, community service and music, most of all. Larry started with the guitar, moved onto the French Horn, especially enjoying his time in the Wind Symphony at Duke, and finally turned to choral singing. Larry sang his last church service in late April after having been hospitalized the week before. Over the years he sang in many church choirs throughout Charlotte, Oratorio Singers, Vox, Impromptu, Old English caroling groups and sang in the Latin Mass at St. Ann’s -delighted to be able to draw on his Jesuit education.
Moving to Charlotte after graduating from Duke, Larry held a number of roles in the non-profit healthcare area before joining Duke Energy, ultimately in HR Operations. To support his HR knowledge, Larry joined the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) where he achieved the SHRM-SCP, SPHR and GPHR designations, served in many leadership positions in the local and NC level SHRM chapters, including president of the Charlotte and NC chapters, received the NCSHRM Professional of the Year (2011), the SHRM Southeast Region District Director of the Year (2014) and was inducted into the NC Human Resources Hall of Fame (2018). Larry also enjoyed sharing his knowledge with presentations to civic and student groups.
Larry loved being involved in his many passions, but nothing surpassed his love for his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Susan, his mother Diana, sister Shana (Duane), wonderful nieces and nephews, his dogs (Truman and Tonks) and, the light of his life, his daughter Maren. The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses at both Novant and Atrium that supported Larry on this journey.
A memorial service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held at Providence Methodist Church in Charlotte on Saturday, June 5 at 2:00 pm with visitation after the service. There are no restrictions on numbers, but attendees are asked to wear masks/face coverings. The link to the live stream is https://boxcast.tv/view/larry-valenti-memorial-service-505129
Memorial contributions may be made to Be The Match. Larry would also love you to give a rescue dog a forever home.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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Susan, Maren and the Valenti family -
Please accept our condolences. My brother and I are distant cousins of Shana and Larry’s and just learned of your loss. While we’ve never met and long since moved away from Tampa hearing the news brought back a flood of memories - from big family gatherings in Tampa with the Valenti’s family and Larry’s father Frankie telling us stories, to playing at Larry’s childhood home in Temple Terrace under the watchful eye of Larry’s grandmother, our Aunt Manny, the sweetest lady who ever lived. We send our sympathies for your loss. Abby -
Susan and Maren,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. It is also a loss for those of us who knew and loved Larry. He was quite a unique personality. I became acquainted with Larry in 2005 when we worked together in the Choir at FPC-Charlotte with Bob Ivey and Becky Puster. Once I left FPC-Charlotte, I somewhat lost touch with Larry, but we re-connected every great once in a while on Facebook. He was a very discerning man and always wanted to be part of a musical group that was excellent. He was very committed to his music. I will miss his quirky sense of humor and fine judge of character. God's comfort and peace to all of you. -
Susan and Maren......Larry meant a great deal to both of us and we will miss him. I worked with him at Duke Energy and also played and sung with him in our Duke Energy Band and Choir before we joined PUMC, so I have known him for a long time. He was a special guy with huge talent. We are very sad that we will not be in town Saturday, so we will have to stream the service. Please know that you are in our prayers. Love.
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I worked with Larry for many years at Duke Energy. He was a wonderful co-worker and friend. He was always supportive. Heaven is rejoicing to welcome Larry, but we are saddened to lose him. We'll meet again, Larry! In the meantime, he's joined the chorus of angels, lifting their voices for the Lord.
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I am so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. He was a great leader, full of life, and inspiring to those he worked with for SHRM. I loved traveling the state with him and visiting people he was mentoring. He had lots of stories to share and positive words for all. Thank you, Larry, for all you have done for so many of us. Rest In Peace, my dear friend…
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I just heard about Larry’s passing - I did not know he was sick. I’m so sorry to get this news. I am confident, however, that he is taking charge up in heaven and is organizing all of the HR folks! I loved our travels around NC to the many SHRM chapters. He was uplifting and inspiring to them. I will miss the stories and the many laughs! Rest In Peace, dear friend Larry…
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So sorry to hear about Larry's passing. I enjoyed singing with Larry in Holiday Singers, Vox, and Carolina's Men Chorus.He had a fine tenor voice. He is now singing with the angels. He will be missed.
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So sorry to hear about Larry's passing. I enjoyed singing with Larry in different choruses, including the Holiday Singers, Vox and Carolina Men's Chorus. He had a wonderful tenor voice.He will be missed. Well done good and faithful servant.
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