The obituary is straightforward, sad and spare.
John Valiante died January 17 in Greenbrae, California. The lifelong Westporter was a singer, songwriter, passionate musician, fisherman, carpenter and a licensed mechanic — “a jack of all trades.”
He was just 28 years old.
“He had a heart of gold and would give you the shirt off his back,” the obituary continues. “He made a special connection to everyone he touched, especially in his bond with animals.”
John Valiante
He is survived by his parents Bart and Anne Valiante; his brothers Buddy and Donny; his sister Jennifer, and his paternal grandparents, Bart and Dorothy Valiante.
The family will receive friends today (Wednesday, January 25, 4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home, 210 Post Road East). Click here to leave a condolence message.
John’s obituary included a link to a YouTube video. It should be seen by everyone.
In it, John’s former girlfriend Ada Pasternak speaks with raw emotion, 45 minutes after hearing of his death. She mourns his “sweet, gentle, beautiful soul” — and in anguish describes the role drug addiction played in his life.
Drugs had a powerful effect on others she loved too.
“There is an overwhelming drug epidemic happening in the world right now, and I’d like to do something about it,” Ada writes on YouTube.
“I would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this message and raising awareness together to create a change.”
(Click here if your browser does not take you directly to YouTube.)
