JAMES E. VALENTA

James E. Valenta, age 50, of Avon, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, February 3, 2008.He was born in Cleveland, grew up in Brookpark and had been a resident of Avon for the past six years moving from West Park. He was a graduate of Padua High School.

Mr. Valenta worked as a bailiff for the Rocky River Courts for over 25 years. He had a passion for vintage cars, was an avid cyclist and enjoyed hiking in the Metro parks.

Survivors include his mother, Agnes Valenta of North Ridgeville; father, Frank Valenta of Pittsburgh, PA.; brothers, Frank (Marie) Valenta of Brunswick, John (Janice) Valenta of Blandenbora, N.C.; sisters, Mary Bertrand of Sacramento, CA., Kathy (Mike) Ritzenthaler of Bay Village, Annie Valenta of Brunswick, Jackie Mazzola of Middleburg Hts.

He was the loving uncle of Kevin and David Valenta, Jimmy John Bertrand, Amanda, Lauren, Rachel and Brian Ritzenthaler, Jessica, Michael and Kaitlyn Mazzola; and great uncle of David, Mallorie and Adam Valenta.

A funeral mass will be held 10:00AM on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church, 5500 Lear Nagle Road, North Ridgeville. Rev. Dr. Richard Gonser, pastor, will be the celebrant.

In leu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to FOP Lodge 25, in memory of James Valenta, PO Box 45178, Westlake, OH 44145 or Make A Wish foundation, 1422 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115.

David Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville is handling the arrangements. For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.davidbognerfamilyfuneralhome.com