Valentine “Red” Marchetti, Sr.-Christopher, IL

Valentine “Red” Marchetti Sr. passed away on Friday October 30th at 6:10 p.m. in the Herrin hospital.

Valentine was born on June 16th 1933. He was the only child of Mary Corso and Valentino Marchetti. He attended grade and high school in Christopher and graduated with the CCHS class of 1951. After graduation he moved to Peoria to work at Caterpillar. He enlisted in the US Army in 1953 and served in Korea. When his enlistment was completed in 1955, he returned to Peoria and worked for Caterpillar for 16 years. While in Peoria he met and married Marion Bray. They remained married for 64 years.

Together they raised two daughters and three sons. Valentine’s heart always remained in Christopher. In 1967 he moved his family South to his hometown. Red (as he was known to most people) worked as a repairman for Old Ben Coal #26 mine for 24 years. In 1994 he began a much deserved retirement. During retirement Valentine enjoyed the simple things in life, gardening, puttering at his tool bench, fishing, puzzling and sitting on his deck watching his numerous hummingbirds. He was very proud of his five children and nine grandchildren and their accomplishments. The greatest gifts he gave his children was an example of good work ethic and to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Valentine was a jack-of-all-trades and could fix almost anything from electrical to plumbing to mechanical. Over the years he was always willing to give his children a helping hand when needed. He was a perfectionist. He kept his home in meticulous condition. He was very proud of the fact that he still mowed his own lawn at the age of 87.

Valentine is survived by his wife Marion, daughters Anna (Gary) Janello, Rosemary Webb, sons Valentine (Melinda) Marchetti Jr., Michael (Laura) Marchetti, and Mark Marchetti. Nine grandchildren, Joseph Marchetti (legally adopted by Marion and Red), Frank (Lori) Janello, Garett (Rachael) Janello, Krista (Anthony) Menckowski, Dianna (John) Hubbard, Valentine Marchetti (the 3rd), Ryan(Brittany)Marchetti, Anna(Tony) Bushong, and Scott(Katie) Marchetti. He also had 11 great-grand children.

He was preceded in death by his parents. A private family burial will be held at the St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is assisting the family with arrangements.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com