Stuart J. Valentine

HARRISVILLE, NY – Stuart J. Valentine, 86, of 7416 Valentine Lane, Lake Bonaparte and also of Potsdam, died on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Born in Harrisville, NY on January 30, 1939, a son of Everett E. and Margaret M. Shaver Valentine, he graduated from Harrisville Central School in 1956.  In 1959, he graduated from Canton A.T.C., from Oswego State Teacher’s College in 1963, and later received his Masters Degree in Education from St. Lawrence University in Canton.

He married Emily V. Palch on July 2, 1960, at Notre Dame Church in New Hyde Park, Long Island, NY.

Mr. Valentine began his teaching career at Norwood- Norfolk Central School in 1963, where he continuously taught until he retired in 1994 after 31 years of service in the Industrial Arts Department.  Following his retirement from teaching, he continued as the 4th generation owner/operator of his family’s maple syrup business in Harrisville.

Besides teaching and maple syrup production, Stu enjoyed building construction and shared that love with countless people throughout the years.  He employed many local people for his various projects, mentored and fostered knowledge that they’ll carry for the rest of their lives.  It would be impossible to count the many lives Stu positively impacted.  Stu’s kind-hearted, easy going personality made all those around him immediately at ease.  His love for life was contagious, his smile and laugh – warm and inviting, and his generosity knew no limits.

Stu was a communicant of St. Francis Solanus Church in Harrisville, and held memberships in the NYS Maple Syrup Producers Association, Case Marsh Hunting Club and the NRA.

Surviving besides his wife of 65 years, are two children, Deborah A. Valentine (Robert Thornton), of Cape Coral, FL and Timothy A. Valentine (Patricia Pennington), of Lake Bonaparte, NY; two grandchildren, Joshua and Janelle Valentine, of Lake Bonaparte, NY; a sister, Sally A. Richer, of Manlius, NY; and sister-in-law, Helen M. Valentine, of Clearwater, FL.  Stu is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends who will miss him dearly.

Three brothers, Robert E., Murray F. and E. Eugene Valentine, predeceased him.

Interment in Harrisville Community Cemetery, and a Celebration of Life will be held this Spring/Summer on a date and time to later be announced. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department or Natural Bridge Volunteer Ambulance.

ADDED: Stu's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the Event Room at the Trackside Tavern in Harrisville that all are invited and welcome to attend.

Arrangements are with Scanlon Funeral Home, Harrisville.

To view Stu’s on-line obituary or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.scanlonfuneral.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stuart J. Valentine, please visit our floral store.