Police Officer Dennis Nicholas Valentini

(1954-2025)

Dennis was born in Camden, New Jersey, on August 1, 1954 to Joseph and Josephine Valentini. He grew up in West Deptford, New Jersey and attended West Deptford High School where he participated in track and set school records in the 100- and 200-yard dash. He graduated in 1972 and went to Eastern Kentucky University on a track scholarship. Dennis graduated from there with a law enforcement degree in 1976.

On May 28, 1977,  Dennis married Tari Lynn Sloneker RN of Seven Mile, Ohio at St. Stephen’s Church in Hamilton.

Dennis joined the Fairfield Police Department as a Police Officer, taking the oath of office on September 5, 1979 while attending the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in Columbus. He also served as an investigator, Community Resource Officer, Community Relations Director, Park Ranger, and departmentspokesman. He set up neighborhood block parties and the Fairfield Citizens Police Academy. Officer Valentini also competed in the Police Olympics, including at the international level. He was still competing in 1986 and took a gold medal at Akron, Ohio. Officer Valentini was still an active bicycle patrol officer in 2009 at the age of 54. He was the first ever ‘Police Officer of the Year’ honored by Fairfield City Council and in 2012 was awarded ‘Star of the Year’ of all Fairfield employees. Officer Valentini retired on August 31, 2012 with almost 33years of service.

Officer Valentini also coached girls’ softball, little league baseball, and the Fairfield High School Track Team.

Officer Valentini was diagnosed with Cancer and after a long and hard battled, he died on August 9, 2025, eight days after his 71stbirthday.

He was predeceased by his father, Joseph Valentini; brother, Nicholas Valentini; and siblings-in-law Claudia Valentini and Tim Sloneker. Officer Valentini is survived by his wife of 48 years, Tari Valentini; children, Christi Maria (Chris) and Brian Joseph (Autumn Grace) Valentini; mother, Josephine Valentini; sister, Denise Pallies; and siblings-in-law, Gail (David) Ruff, Gary (Suzanne) Sloneker, and Tim Sloneker.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 15, 2025, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home at 980 NW Washington Boulevard in Hamilton. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m.

 

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