Valentino Borra was born on September 16, 1954 in Ono Degno, Italy to Giovanni and Evelina Borra. Valentino immigrated to Fresno California with his parents at five months old. From a young age, Valentino was highly driven, hardworking, and always in pursuit of providing for his family. This was instilled in him by his father, who worked long days in the lumber yard, and mother, who raised three children. He attended St. Helens Catholic School and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1973.

As a teenager, Valentino mowed lawns and delivered the Fresno Bee. He cycled miles around the city, delivering newspapers and knocking on doors to earn new clients. He was such a go getter, that he was awarded a 12-day trip to Switzerland and Greece for being the top route salesman in 1972. Cycling turned into a hobby of his, he would ride his 10 speed to Pine Flat and Millerton Lakes, even competed in races. When he purchased a new 1971 Plymouth Road Runner with his own hard-earned money, cycling fell by the wayside. He loved the adrenaline rush from drag racing his car and upgrading it with performance parts with friends so he was always the top competitor. He continued this hobby, eventually building a Studebaker drag car and raced it at Famoso Raceway.

At age twenty-six Valentino met Joanna Martin at a dance at the Rainbow Ballroom. They were married a year later on February 13, 1982 and blessed with two sons Brian and Matthew. They shared a love of travel and cherished family trips they took together. The highlight was a family vacation to Italy in 2011, where Valentino reconnected with extended family at his birthplace, a remote hillside village in Italy. He was so grateful to experience his roots, sing karaoke with his uncle/cousins, attend mass in the same church his parents partitioned, and left every meal full in more ways than one.

His passion for muscle cars as a young adult led to a career as a diesel truck mechanic. He took pleasure in collecting and restoring muscle cars. He regularly attended car shows with family and loved showing his red 1969 Dodge Super Bee. His proudest restoration moment was when his car received a two-page feature in Popular Hot Rodding's July 1997 issue at the Las Vegas Speedway. He also enjoyed escaping the heat to compete in the Pismo Beach Car Show, where you could find him with his family, his signature straw golf hat, and a Coors Light.

He had deep appreciation for natural beauty and loved watching hummingbirds, tending to his garden, and relaxing on the beach with some salami and cheese. He treasured his time with his sons, who share his work ethic and penchant for tinkering.

Valentino fought a brave battle against cancer, with his loving family by his side each step of the way. He was an optimistic fighter, determined to overcome his prognosis with the encouragement of friends and family. His quality of life was improved by advanced radiative procedures at the Stanford Medicine Cancer Center. He passed away peacefully in his home on July 8, 2022, surrounded by his wife and sons. His family would like to sincerely thank the countless medical professionals that provided compassionate care over the past eight months.

Valentino will be fondly remembered for his optimistic outlook, unwavering affection, and unrelenting devotion to his family. He was a natural at making meaningful connections with people and enjoyed mingling with friends and strangers alike. He'd go out of his way to introduce his wife and sons by name to unfamiliar people he engaged with.

Valentino is survived by his loving wife Joanna Borra, son Brian Borra and wife Beth Kidd, and son Matthew Borra. Valentino was preceded in death by his father, Giovanni Borra and mother Evelina Borra. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Donations can be made to Stanford Medicine's Cancer Discovery Fund at https://discoveryfund.stanford.edu/ in Valentino's memory.