Charlie Valentino, the last of the elected high sheriffs in Connecticut, a stalwart Republican political operative and state marshal, has passed away at age 77.
Valentino was likable on both sides of the political aisle, a key player in Bridgeport politics when the Republican Party was relevant, but had the ability to blend in actively in the community serving on many civic groups.
Back in the day, Connecticut had elected positions called high sheriffs with patronage influence serving court papers. Valentino was the last to serve Fairfield County until high sheriff slots were eliminated by Republican Governor John Rowland who felt cut out of the spoils and replaced the positions with state marshals of which Valentino would become one.
It caused a rift between Rowland and Valentino. Rowland ended up doing two stints in the federal joint on corruption charges.
About 10 years ago Valentino had his own issues, sentenced to a year on state charges of scheming thousands of dollars from people whose cars were seized from delinquent taxpayers.
Valentino showed contrition, “I know I did wrong and I have to live with that for the rest of my life.”
When it comes to politics, Bridgeport is a comeback community. After his time Valentino integrated himself back into local politics where he enjoyed the give and take and reconnected with friends.
Services will take place Wednesday March 19 from 4 to 8 PM in Parente Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield. The funeral will take place Thursday, March 20, at 11 AM in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 200 Shelton Road, Trumbull. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in Stratford.
Obituary from Parente:
Charles Michael Valentino, Sr. (Charlie), a lifelong resident of Bridgeport, CT, passed away on March 11, 2025.
He was a devoted husband to Irene Patricia Mrozek for 34 years and a proud father to his two children, Charles Michael Valentino Jr. and Ann Marie O’Neill. He was also a loving grandfather to his cherished grandchildren, Emma Irene and Kaitlyn Ann O’Neill.
Charlie honorably served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. He was deeply committed to his community, dedicating 50 years of service in various public safety and civic roles, including City of Bridgeport Selectman (6 years), City Sheriff (12 years), Fairfield County Deputy Sheriff (18 years), High Sheriff of Fairfield County (1 year), and Connecticut State Marshal (14 years).
Charlie was also an influential civic leader, serving as Commissioner of the Bridgeport Zoning Board and playing a vital role in local politics as Chairman of the 136th District Republican Committee, former Town Chairman of the Bridgeport Republican Party, and Past President of the Bridgeport Eastside Republican Club. A successful entrepreneur, Charlie owned Valentino’s Barber Shop, Valentino’s Banquet Hall, Valentino’s Auto Center, along with other business ventures. His dedication extended to numerous organizations, including serving as Past President of the East Bridgeport Lions Club and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #29. He was a Faithful Navigator of the St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Knights of Columbus, a Board Director of the Bridgeport Property Owners Association, and a member of From Quicksand to Solid Ground. He was a life member of the American Legion, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Connecticut Association of Police Officers, and a former Trustee and Secretary of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local #191.
Charlie is survived by his three brothers Bob, Sal and John and is predeceased by his brother Steve. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of service, dedication, and generosity will live on in the many lives he touched.
Friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Parente Funeral Home, located at 1209 Post Road, Fairfield. The funeral will take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Church, located at 200 Shelton Road, Trumbull, with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in Stratford.
For travel directions or to leave condolences for Charles online, please visit www.ParenteFuneralHome.com.
Lennie you neglected to mention that Charlie also received an absolute pardon in 2022. In his heart he was a good man who helped many people in need and others who were basically good but made some unfortunate mistakes. Many people will feel deeply the loss of Charlie. In the many trips Charlie and I made around the city more often than not someone would approach him and say you probably don’t remember me but you helped me when……. May he rest in peace and be remembered for all the kindness he extended to others not for the mistakes for which he was pardoned.
Where have you been Joe(l) McLaine? Charlie Valentino played a key role in recruiting and helping many Puert Rican Republicans, back when the masses exercised their political will in Connecticut. It would be nice if OIB created some coverage of those days gone by. I became politically active in the period when the extinction of Republicans in Bridgeport was almost completed. Rest in Peace Charlie y muchas gracias por tú servicio a nuestra gente.
Hi Joel. I have been busy with a few projects of a personal nature, but I regularly look in on what is going on in Bridgeport. You seem to be keeping on top of things. I like your idea of a story of Bridgeport Republican days gone by. Back when the Bridgeport Republican Town Committee focused on serving the people of the city not on serving the interests of a few party members. Be well my friend. Don’t worry I’m keeping an eye on you and if you need my help I will be there!