John Joseph Valverde

“JJV”, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2025 at the age of 96. He was born on December 24,1928 in Maturin, Venezuela while his parents were vacationing. The family returned to the States shortly after his birth. John was raised in New York City where he attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School before graduating from Commerce High School in 1946. After graduation, John moved to Venezuela to help establish a family business, which grew into a great success. In 1951, John was drafted into the U.S. Army and served with honor during the Korean War until 1953. Upon his return to New York City, he met the love of his life, Louise Hazen. They were married at the “Little Church Around the Corner” in Manhattan on December 22, 1956.

John embarked on a successful career in finance beginning as Treasurer at Dancer Fitzgerald, an esteemed advertising firm where he was among the original “Mad Men” of Madison Avenue. He and Louise built a beautiful life together, raising their four children—Katherine, Thomas, and twins Elizabeth and Virginia—in Chappaqua, NY. In 1973, the family relocated to Barrington, IL, where John continued his career as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Partner at Tatham-Laird & Kudner, a Chicago advertising agency. Their years in Barrington were filled with cherished friendships, golf, tennis, family activities, and lively gatherings, especially his golf group, The Panzers- where lifelong friendships were made and too many fun stories to tell.

At the age of 60 John retired, and he and Louise moved to Ocala, Florida, where they embraced a new chapter of life. He made wonderful friends, enjoyed countless rounds of golf—proudly shooting his age four times—and remained a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. John was known for his boundless spirit, zest for life and tenacious can-do attitude. His lifelong motto of “mind over matter” served him well in his personal life and his successful business career.

John is predeceased by his beloved wife Louise; his parents, Librado and Ramona; his brothers, Joe (Lucy) and Hector (Theresa) and his sister, Mary (Luigi). He will be deeply missed by his children, Katherine Greenberg (Harvey), Tom Valverde (Kelly), Liz Desmond (Bob), and Virginia Kinker (Todd). He is lovingly remembered by his ten grandchildren, Ashley, Sara, Mark, Madeline, Johnny, Matthew, Michael, Maggie, Clay, Robby, and five great-grandchildren.

We will always remember him with a smile on his face twinkle in his eye, and a good glass of scotch in his hand. A celebration of life will be held on March 2, 2025 for immediate family.