Peter Valdez

Peter D. Valdez, Sr. passed away on February 14, 2015, at Grace Healthcare in Lake Wales, Florida.

Peter was born in Key West, Florida, on February 12, 1927, to Joseph M. Valdez and Irene Wilson Valdez. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, George and Jose; a sister, Rose Pinder, and his loving wife of 58 years, Edna Jean.

He is survived by his sons Peter D. Valdez, Jr. (Yvette), of Key West and Paul D. Valdez (Stephanie) of Lakeland and his daughter Linda J. Griffin, (Lee) of Lake Wales. They each have special, fond memories of the wonderful father and person he was. His seven grandchildren, Tarn Valdez Humphrey, Erika Valdez, Jennifer Valdez, Corey Valdez, Ashley Valdez, Tina Cacace and Lisa Camann, each had a special bond with him. He had five great grandchildren: Henry and Veronica Humphrey of California; Taylor, Lauren and Alexis Camann of Lake Wales. Seeing them in person, or just seeing a picture of them, always brought a smile to his face.

Peter is also survived by his devoted sister and brother, Consuelo Russell and Reynold Valdez, of Key West, as well as many extended family members. He loved each and every one of them.

He enjoyed growing up across the street from Bayview Park, where he played tennis, softball and baseball as a youth. He often boasted that he was a good first baseman but kept a Good Sportsmanship Award he had received in 1947 quietly tucked away in a drawer. He loved playing ball with his children and watching his sons play baseball. He was an avid Florida Marlins fan.

Known fondly around the island as “Pete the Milkman” by his many friends and clients, he delivered milk and dairy products to homes, restaurants and grocery stores in Key West for 49 years. One of his tasks at Adams Dairy in the 1950s was to make “Cho-Chos”. His memories of making those malted ice cream treats were among the few spared by the dementia that stole so much from him over the past few years.

When he retired from McArthur Dairy in 1990 after a back injury, he taught himself to repair small engines and lawn mowers to occupy his time. He often spent more money on parts than he charged people for the repairs. Kind and generous, he loved helping people any way he could. He couldn’t wait for the mangoes on his tree to ripen--not necessarily so he could enjoy them, but so he could call his friends to come get some. He did not share his rare sugar apples, however, and made no apologies for that!

Peter loved animals as well and usually had treats for the neighborhood cats and dogs that came to visit with him on his porch. The pets he had over the years included dogs, cats, a rabbit, parakeets, mice, and even a monkey!

Peter touched the hearts of everyone who knew him. He quickly became popular at Grace Healthcare and was crowned their Valentine King in 2014 by a “landslide” vote of the staff. The family extends a special “Thank You” to all of them for caring for him and making him feel special during the past two years and to the nurses of Cornerstone Hospice who kept him comfortable during his final days.

His passing will leave a huge void in our lives, but knowing that he has “gone home” and is resting in peace brings us much comfort.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn’t go alone.
For apart of us went with you
The day God called you home.

Peter thought it would be easier for his family to say good-bye privately. He preferred to have no services. Marion Nelson Funeral Home is in charge of cremation.