With profound sadness, we announce the passing of David Lee Valerio, a kind and loving person to all whose lives he touched. After a short battle with an aggressive brain cancer, he left this world on April 3, 2024, at 75 years old.

David is survived by his mother, Elaine Valerio of Columbus, OH; wife, Peggy of Wichita, KS; daughter, Erica Baker (Clint) of Wichita, KS; and siblings, Gregory Valerio of East Jordan, MI and Marc Valerio (Kathi) of Columbus, OH.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Pasquale and Carmel DiDonato; Philomeno and Lucia Valerio; father, Charles Valerio; and sister, Roberta Knapp.

David was born on August 16, 1948 in Ashtabula, OH. He graduated from St. John High School in 1966, and attended Toledo University where he studied to become a pharmacist and was an active member of TKE fraternity.

David met Peggy while working at J.L. Hudson’s and they married in 1977. A year later, they moved from Ohio to Andover, Kansas, and in 1983, adopted their only child, Erica, who blessed them with a granddaughter, Vivien, in 2023.

David earned his Bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and had a successful 30-year career in the pharmaceutical industry. When he wasn’t working, David loved spending time with friends and family, volunteering and giving back to his community. After retirement, David dedicated his life to mentoring and inspiring young people through youth programs at Andover United Methodist Church and as a substitute teacher in the Andover Schools. His greatest joys were helping others and giving out hugs.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, April 27 at Andover United Methodist Church, 1429 N. Andover Road, Andover, KS 67002, with a luncheon afterwards. The service will also be live streamed online here: https://facebook.com/events/s….

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Andover United Methodist Church Youth Group at https://www.andoverumc.com/su…; choose “Youth Fund”.

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