Michael Valiante

Michael F. Valiante passed away suddenly at his residence on September 6th, 2025. Born the youngest of six children to the late Albert and Argentina Valiante, he was predeceased by his brother, Albert, and his brother Louis and Louis’s wife Patricia. Mike was also predeceased by his beloved wife Nancy and his only child, his daughter Krista. He and Krista shared a very deep bond. There was so much love and respect between them. They never went a day without speaking to each other.

Mike is survived by his son-in-law Brice Humpolick, his brother Joe Valiante (Donna), his sisters Diana Moyer (Roy) and Mary Valiante (Nick O'Neill), his sister-in-law Diane Lennon Golden Valiante, his sister-in-law Debra Valiante, his nephews Lou Valiante, Chris Valiante, Mike Moyer (Crystal), Greg O'Neill (Miranda), Nick O'Neill (Ariel), Greg Golden (Diana), and Adam Golden (Rebecca), his niece Kelly Moyer (Wil), his Aunt Ellen Valiante, his Aunt Ann Williamson, as well as many cousins and dear friends.

A graduate of St. Elizabeth's School, where he distinguished himself as a track athlete and cross country record-holder, Mike went on to earn his business degree from the University of Delaware. His professional career in banking included positions with PNC Bank and the Police and Fire Credit Union in Philadelphia, where he was respected for his integrity and dedication.

In his later years, Mike found comfort and purpose in his faith, attending services at St. Matthew's Parish in Wilmington. The fellowship and support at St. Matthew's along with the love and support of his family and many friends, helped him navigate the profound losses in his life with grace and resilience.

Mike’s passion for horse racing was legendary among those who knew him. As the voice behind the popular Twitter feed "Saddles and Sulkies," which attracted over 7,000 followers, his insights became essential reading for anyone who loved the sport. He shared his extensive knowledge through articles profiling jockeys and analyzing racing trends. Delaware Park was his second home, where he and Nancy spent countless hours in their regular seats, part of a close-knit community that shared their passion.

Known for his sharp wit and love of intellectual discourse, Mike delighted in spirited debates and challenging riddles. You never heard Mike criticize or speak rudely about others, as he was by nature, a very kind man. His compassionate spirit expressed itself through volunteer work recording audiobooks for the Delaware Association for the Blind and his annual Christmas tradition of distributing gift cards, blankets, and meals to Philadelphia's homeless community.

Mike had a large circle of friends and family who will deeply miss his presence. A memorial celebration for him will be held on November 15, 2025 at 3PM, in the auditorium at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, 500 McKennan’s Church Rd., Wilmington, Delaware, where all are welcome and encouraged to attend to share fellowship and friendship as well as their memories of Mike.

In a final tribute, his siblings Mary and Joe will scatter his ashes in Vermont, overlooking Lake Champlain where his daughter Krista’s ashes also lie.