Tony Valent age 91, of Westchester, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Tony was born in Czechoslovakia, growing up during the turbulence of World War II. He immigrated at the age of 17 to Chicago, then Cicero finally making Westchester his home for over 50 years. Beloved husband of the late Jennie, nee Certalic; loving father to his two daughters, Suzanne (Daniel) Burich and Katherine (Robert) Cihlar; proud grandfather to Lauren, Danielle (Justin), Matthew and Marc; dear brother of Ann (late Eric) Walter and the late Rudolph Valent; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Tony enjoyed playing soccer in the streets from the time he could walk with anything they could find. Soccer was his escape during the war and the only sport they had. He self-proclaimed many times that he was the luckiest man in the world. "To be on the streets and survive all that I did, someone was looking out for me." In 1949, he immigrated to the United States at the age of 17. Fluent in Russian and English, he enlisted in the Army at 18 and proudly served for 2 years at Fort Bragg in Special Forces. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he met his beautiful wife Jennie, to whom he was married to for 58 years until her passing in 2017. Tony enjoyed an over 40 year career as a printer all while continuing his love of soccer. Playing soccer for the Slovak Athletic Association until well into his 40's, he scored over 800 goals and was inducted into the Illinois Soccer Hall of Fame in 2006. Tony was a beloved member of the Slovak A.A. and was proud of his heritage and his ancestry. He loved spending his free time with family and friends at the Slovak Club in Berwyn where he dispensed advice and camaraderie many nights while bartending. Tony loved attending picnics with his fellow Slovaks and was deep rooted throughout the Slovak community. His greatest love was his grandchildren, attending their many extracurricular activities, coaching AYSO soccer and being their biggest fan. Special thanks to Aspired Living in Westmont for their wonderful care and support. Tony was treated like family by all and shown much love and compassion as well as making great friends. Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until time of Chapel Service 11:00 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. For funeral info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.