Eduardo Del Valle
Eduardo Del Valle was born in The Bronx, New York on December 28, 1951. He attended St.
Rita's Elementary School and later attended DeWitt Clinton High School where he earned the
bronze medal on the track team. The day of his graduation on June 30, 1970, he brought his
diploma to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, where he operated as an Aviation Crash
Crewman in the Third Marine Airwing stationed on the USS Kittyhawk. He achieved the rank of
Corporal and was a member of both the USMC Honor Guard and the Drill Team. He received his
honorable discharge and then prepared for his next venture: becoming a firefighter, a dream he
had since childhood.
He joined the New York City Fire Department on August 25, 1979, becoming one of the first
Hispanic firefighters in the city. He received numerous medals and commendations and saved
many lives both on and off duty, earning the respect of his fellow firefighters. He worked in the
Engine Company 69 before moving to Ladder 28 during a time in which he claimed "The City (Of
New York) was on fire." The firehouse became known as "The Harlem Hilton" due to how many
trucks came and went. He held multiple positions including nozzleman, outside vent man, and
chauffeur. He was chairman of the Hispanic Society, F.D.N.Y.  and organized their 25th
anniversary dinner dance. He met his wife Florence Anaya in 1989, having recalled several prior
chance meetings and soon married her in 1990. They moved to Upstate New York and had two
children. His daughter Noelle Elisa Del Valle was born in 1993 a week before his own birthday
and his son Mateo Francisco Del Valle was born in 1995 on the same birthday as Eduardo's
mother. Eduardo retired from the Fire Department in October 1990 and moved with his family to
South Florida.
He then worked as a Safety Officer for multiple pharmaceutical companies including Nabi and
ANDRX. Later, he became a Housing Escort Officer for GEO Group Incorporated where he
worked until his retirement 2020.  He was "Officer of the Year" twice and was beloved by his
coworkers and the inmates he interacted with. At every job and opportunity, Eduardo brought
his compassion for humanity, dedication to excellence, and commitment to service, as well as a
unique sense of humor. At home, he provided for his family and never missed a chance to
celebrate their accomplishments. He valued family time and loved listening to music, cooking,
and caring for his wife and children. He used to joke: "I can do everything except give birth, but
I'm working on it!"
Eduardo was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and proceeded to beat multiple different types of
cancer over the years, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, bone marrow cancer, esophageal
cancer, and skin cancer before ultimately losing the battle to Acute Myeloid Leukemia on
November 13, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years Florence Del Valle and his
two devoted children, Noelle and Mateo. In life, Eduardo acted in service of his family,
community, and country at great personal cost. He did not like to be called a hero but rather
believed he had a calling and it was his duty to answer it. He was a man of integrity, loyalty, and
honesty. He was a dutiful husband, father, friend, and neighbor who offered advice and genuine
care to any who needed it. Though his passing has saddened those who knew him, Eduardo's
enduring spirit remains in the hearts of his loved ones. It is best honored by reaching out to
those in need and lifting up our fellow man.

In honor of Eduardo's memory, please consider a memorial contribution to the following charity:

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Blood Cancer United - Attn: Donor Services- P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087