Gary Valerio

Gary Allen Valerio, born in Toledo, Ohio, on September 17, 1962, was called home on January 12, 2026, at 63 years of age.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Albert Valerio; his mother, Donna Jordan (Milosh); and his stepfather, Ken Jordan.

Raised in Northwest Ohio with his three siblings, Kim, David, and Roger, Gary learned from a young age that you had to work hard for the life you wanted. He no doubt learned this from his mother, Donna, who raised him and his siblings as a single working mother for several years after his father, Albert, passed away when Gary was very young.

Gary attended school in Sylvania, Ohio, but decided he would join the workforce to build the life he had always envisioned. He worked various jobs until he eventually found his calling as a carpenter. He spent years building homes, including his own, before starting his own business, Valerio Carpentry and Fine Finishing, as a contractor. Over the last decade or more, Gary managed the refurbishment of mobile homes for three different parks. Known for his kindness and willingness to help anyone in need, the residents of the parks came to recognize his white work van and would often stop by to say hello while he worked.

Gary was rarely seen resting, as he took great pride in his work and in maintaining his beautiful home and property, as well as caring for many pets, including the peacocks he was quite fond of. He enjoyed gardening, collecting antiques, riding his motorcycle, attending car shows in his restored 1965 Mustang, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his professional success and hobbies, Gary's proudest accomplishment-one he never missed an opportunity to talk about-was his children: Jacob, Taylor, and Angela. His children lovingly remember him as a provider, a chef who made the best nachos, and a self-proclaimed country music singer.

Gary's story lives on through his siblings, Kim Darr, David Valerio, and Roger Valerio; his children, Jacob Valerio, Taylor Valerio, and Angela Valerio-Etue (Dominick Etue); and his grandchildren, Parker Fischer and Thomas Etue.

Family and friends may visit on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 11 am- 1 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. The Funeral Service will follow in the funeral home at 1 pm. Gary will be laid to rest privately at Toledo Memorial Park.