Valentin Dzyubenko

Valentin was born in the post WWII Kyiv, Ukraine. He was part of the great generation of baby boomers, who have brought tremendous changes and countless success stories to the modern world and culture. The family is very grateful and proud of Valentin’s accomplishments. He was preceded in death by his brother Vasyl Dzyubenko, leaving behind his loving family, including his sister-in-law Olena Petrovna, two daughters, a niece, two nephews, nine grandchildren, two great granddaughters, and many cherished friends.

Valentin was a man of many talents, a kind heart, and a wonderful sense of humor. An engineer by trade and an inventor at heart, he loved staying busy. There was very little he could not build, repair, or figure out. From radios to cars, he was always tinkering with some electrical or mechanical things. He enjoyed the challenge of fixing anything that seemed impossible and was determined to keep any old thing being useful. Valentin lived his life in a very simple and practical manner, he didn’t like being wasteful. His practical skills were matched by a generous willingness to help others, and he readily shared his time, knowledge, and talents whenever someone was in need. Music was also one of his lasting passions. At his mother’s insistence, Valentin received a musical education that eventually became an important part of his life. He played the saxophone professionally and delighted family and friends with his accordion playing. Music gave him a creative outlet and lasting friendships with fellow musicians.

At the age of 46, Valentin made the courageous decision to move to the United States in search of greater opportunities for his family. In Florida, he began this new chapter with his then-wife and younger daughter, bringing with him the resourcefulness, determination, and practical abilities that helped him build a future in a new country. His engineering background and entrepreneurial spirit shaped the years that followed. In 2004, he opened his own car repair shop, followed by a small used car dealership. These ventures allowed him to do what he loved: work with his hands, solve problems, and transform ideas into something useful and lasting. Yet Valentin's greatest qualities could not be measured by his professional accomplishments or entrepreneurial skills. He had a kind heart and a natural gift for making people smile. Always ready with a joke or a playful remark, he brought laughter to ordinary moments and warmth to the people around him.

He cherished family gatherings and long conversations with old friends, always making an effort to keep those connections alive. Whether sharing stories, fixing things up, or simply telling a joke, Valentin had a special way of bringing people together. The friendships he formed throughout his life, including among fellow musicians, were a testament to the connections he valued so deeply.

Valentin's legacy lives on in the family for whom he worked so hard, the friendships he nurtured, the music he shared, the things he built, and the joy he brought to others.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Henry Medwood and the Mind, Music, and Movement Foundation (m3f.org) for their care, kindness, and support during the last few years of Valentin’s life. Their compassion and dedication brought meaningful support to Valentin and his family, and they will always be remembered with gratitude. Valentin will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his kind spirit, inventive mind, humor, all the smiles, and willingness to lend a hand. The love and memories he leaves behind will remain with all who knew him.

May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mind, Music and Movement foundation www.M3F.org