Claudio Valeri, Sr. (1941-2025)

Claudio J. Valeri, 84, of Hummelstown, passed away Friday, August 22, 2025, in Providence Place, Lancaster, with his loving family by his side.
Born in Raritan Township, New Jersey, on February 3, 1941, he was the son of the late Felix and Josephine Angelini Valeri.
Claudio was a Jockey and then served as a Horse Racing Official for Penn National Racetrack from its opening in 1972 until his retirement in 2020. He was a 1959 graduate of Highland Park High School in New Jersey. A devout Christian, Claudio was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and was a Fourth Degree of its Knights of Columbus Council #6693. He was an avid golfer. A strong and mighty man who had many experiences and wins in his life as a jockey, Claudio was a humble man who greeted everyone with his firm handshake or warm hug.
In addition to his parents, Claudio was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Ellen Sacco Valeri, on November 21, 2003; and two siblings, Lee Valeri and Aggie Angelini.
Claudio is survived by his children, Claudio J. Valeri, Jr., Lisa Marie Valeri and Peter F. Valeri all of Hummelstown; two grandsons, Casey and Gavin; two sisters, Thelma "Penny" Frandsen and Lou Logiudice both of Doylestown; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 11 AM in St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey, with The Rev. Fr. Kevin Key, as celebrant. Interment will be in the Hummelstown Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 6 to 8 PM in the Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown; and on Thursday in the church from 10 AM until the time of the Mass. Rosary will be recited on Wednesday at 5:45 PM in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033.