Darrell L. Valentine passed away peacefully on Friday, March 11, 2022, at the age of 87, in Virginia Beach, VA.  He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lois C. Valentine, his son David Valentine, daughter-in-law Charlene Valentine, daughter Lisa Kopecko, son-in-law Keith Kopecko and grandchildren Caroline and Christopher Kopecko.

Darrell was the son of Harold and Alene Valentine and grew up in Oneonta, New York.

Upon graduating from Oneonta Senior High school, he attended Wheaton College, in Wheaton IL for one year and then enlisted in the United States Navy.  He served for 21 years and retired as a Lt. Commander.  He completed his college education at Old Dominion University while pursuing a civilian career.  Darrell worked for Computer Sciences Corp. and Comptek Research Inc. as a computer scientist until he retired in 1999.

Darrell had a love of music and enjoyed getting together with his buddies to play banjo, guitar, mandolin, or fiddle.  He was extremely talented and carved award winning duck decoys and was an avid wood turner.  He was a member of the Princess Anne Masonic Lodge #25 and loved interacting with his lodge brothers.  He was a member of Baylake United Methodist Church and Nimmo Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the church choir.

Darrell and Lois enjoyed retired life in Melbourne, Florida from 2000-2010 and then moved back to Virginia Beach.

A private memorial service will be held April 15, 2022 at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

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