It is with extremely heavy hearts we announce the passing of Angelo "Ang" Valdes, a devoted father to Elena "Nena" Cassandra Valdes & Angelo "Papo" Cristino Valdes. He was a passionate sports fan, poker player, literature & music connoisseur, food enthusiast, and a beloved father, son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend & co-pilot. Angelo, aged 49, left us on Friday, September, 22, 2023 leaving behind an abundance of cherished memories and a legacy of love & endurance.

Angelo was born on Tuesday October 30th 1973 in the vibrant city of Chicago.

Born and raised on the Southside, the Southside became a place that held a very special spot in his heart throughout his life. He was a true Chicagoan, known for his unwavering loyalty to the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bears. Angelo's enthusiasm for his hometown teams was infectious, and he could often be found cheering them on with fervor, whether at the stadium or in front of the TV.

Beyond sports, Angelo had such a brilliant mind which enabled him to be an amazing card shark. His ability to master a game of skill demonstrated his raw intelligence and the ability to think strategically. With this special gift he would compete in poker competitions in Las Vegas like the World Series of Poker.

Angelo was simple man with an appetite for the finer things in life which lead him to have a strong work ethic in order to indulge. Rather in rain or shine, good times or bad, Angelo would work 7 days a week with no hesitation and would still make time with no complaints to be with Elena & Papo. This trait reflects so much in Angelo's daughter Elena. The determination and dedication of hard work emulates in her just like it did in Angelo.

A couple of Angelo's pastimes were reading books by authors such Mario Puzzo & Anne Rice. He loved reading books which is a trait his son inherited since birth. Other traits Papo inherited from Angelo is the love and ability of technology, Sci-Fi, cooking and music. Angelo loved the Apple store, enjoyed cooking all time and could listen to the Beatles over and over again. In the same token, Angelo was a major foodie who would explore new things just for the experience of new flavors just like Elena does as well.

A few of his favorite movies were The God Father, Goodfellas, Rocky , Star Wars, Field of Dreams & The Sandlot.

Angelo loved to travel, especially to the Caribbean. He loved the beaches, the ocean and fishing. He found solace and joy in casting his fishing line into the calm waters, embracing the tranquility of nature.

One of Angelo's greatest accomplishments & the loves of his life are his two children, Elena Cassandra Valdes & Angelo Cristino Valdes.

He took immense pride in watching the kids grow, learn, and flourish. His unwavering support and love for his children were evident to all who knew him, and he considered them his greatest achievement of all time. Since day one Angelo automatically knew what to do and fatherhood came to him organically & automatic. Being with his children was his fuel, his energy and the air he breathed. The bond he had with his children was like no other, especially with Elena (a Daddy's girl). He spoiled them rotten and sacrificed so much to make sure they were always ok. The joy the children brought into his life radiated. The grand intelligence Angelo possessed was also inherited by the children and reflects in the children's academic performance. Elena, a sophomore at Trinity High School, with all IB courses while in cross country, member of HFS Scholars and a member several school clubs. Angelo, a freshman at Lane Tech College Prep who plays football for his school just like his old man once did and also a member of HFS Scholars. Angelo's constant support and guidance aided the children's current success.

Angelo attended Curie Metropolitan High School & Dundee-Crown High School, studied at Si Tianka Huron and then worked for Anthony Marano Co.

Angelo fought a long & hard health battle with courage, dignity and honor. He is now reunited his father Jim, his grandmother Leticia & his beloved dog Clumsy

Angelo Valdes will be remembered for his enduring love for his family, kindness, generosity, endurance, his passion for his city's sports teams, the joy he found in life's simple pleasures and his everlasting devotion to Elena & Papo. He leaves behind a family that will forever miss his warm smile, his hearty laughter, his silliness, sarcastic dark dark sense of humor, his cooking and his spirit of camaraderie.

Our Mexican/Puerto Rican Super Hero!

"We love you Dada!"

Visitation, Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:45 p.m., at The Elms Funeral Home 7600 W. Grand Ave. (turn north at 76th Ave.) Elmwood Park. Mass of the Christian Burial, Friday, 10:30 a.m., at St. Pius V Parish, Chicago, with interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove.

For information, 708-453-1234