Ronald J. Vallene

Ronald J. Vallene of Atwater died Aug. 30. He was 73.

Vallene was born on Nov. 20, 1939 to parents Eleanor and John in Cleveland, Ohio.

Vallene was a retired disabled veteran who served his country in Vietnam as part of the United States Marine Corps.

He was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

After the service, Vallene worked for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the optics division where he cut and polished crystals. He retired in 2004.

Vallene enjoyed camping, fishing and spending time with his family. He was a lifelong Cleveland Browns Fan and enjoyed talking about football.

Vallene is survived by his wife, Debra of Atwater, Calif.; his sons, Anthony Vallene and wife, Dalia, Ronald Vallene Jr. and John Vallene; grandchildren. Brittany Vallene, Daniel Vallene, Brooke Vallene, Alex Vallene, Joshua Vallene, Rachel Vallene, John Vallene Jr., Dana Castillo and Monica Knighton; and great- grandchildren, Nicholas and Damon Knighton and Nirvana and Jace Castillo. He also leaves his mother, Eleanor Kane and brother, John Vallene. He was preceded in death by his father, John J. Vallene.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 4-8 p.m. at the Wilson Family Funeral Chapel in Atwater. The funeral service will be Friday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m. at the Wilson Family Funeral Chapel of Atwater. Burial to follow at the Ceres Cemetery with full military honors.