Jeffrey Groce Del Valle

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Jeffrey Del Valle, our loving and devoted father, partner, and friend to all whose lives he touched, on June 1, 2021.

It is impossible to put into words how Jeff touched our lives. He was known for his silliness, but there was so much more to Jeff. He wore his heart and soul on his sleeve. To meet Jeff was to feel a familiar spirit. His warmth and comfort translated to everyone and he made it easy to know him. Jeff walked through life with an open heart and never hesitated to let people see who he was. Jeff’s sentimentality knew no bounds. Whether it was a person, place, or seemingly worthless trinket, it meant something to Jeff. By knowing the value in vulnerability, he was able to create beautiful relationships with us all.

Being a boat captain allowed Jeff to do what he does best, create memories full of laughter and wear Hawaiian shirts. He had a passion for the water and he was grateful to Smile High every day. Jeff brought his special brand of humor to work and his coworkers were his family.

Jeff had the gift of community with which he connected us all. Jeff was able to bring his family together when they may have otherwise lived separate lives. He valued family above all things and over the years became the anchor that held his family together for which his siblings, Wanda, Rhonda, Cindy, Mindy, and Chino are forever grateful.

Jeff was fortunate to share so many wonderful years with the love of his life, Daphne. Jeff was a romantic soul and referred to Daphne as “Spring Time.”  He was a dedicated partner who never went a day in the 9 years they were together without letting Daphne know how much she meant to him. Whether it was a random love letter, a lazy Sunday, or playing with the kids, Jeff felt like the luckiest man on earth when he was with Daphne. Together they had two beautiful children, Ethan and Clark.

Jeff loved nothing more than being a father and to his sons, Dylan, Brody, Ethan, and Clark. It was his favorite job in the world. He cherished every moment with them and was always proud to call himself their father. Each of his children inherited his kind heart and sense of humor. Through his children, he created a loving legacy that will live on through them forever.

Though you left us far too soon, Jeffrey, you gave us all a lifetime’s worth of memories filled with laughter and love. Thank you for the joy you brought us all. We will miss you dearly and know that you are at peace with God. Your spirit lives on in the community you created and connected.