Anthony "AJ" Joseph Valenza

MADISON-Anthony “AJ” Valenza, age 31, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, in Pewaukee.  He was born on Feb. 22, 1986, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, the son of Tony and Sandra (Powell) Valenza.  AJ made the varsity wrestling team as a freshman at La Follette High School and later received his GED.  He earned a black belt at Karate America East, where he was an assistant instructor.  AJ won many awards as a member of the WPKA.  What AJ loved most was helping others, teaching younger karate students, helping friend’s children with homework and lending a helping hand whenever he could.  AJ is survived by his mother, Sandi; his father, Tony; sister, Vanessa Valenza; grandparents, Anthony and Mardell (Tewalt) Valenza; and many other family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his grandpa, Charles Powell; grandma, Louis (Taube) Powell; aunt, Charlene (Powell) Gerstner; and uncle, William Powell.  Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at noon, on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, with the Rev. Ken Michaelis presiding.  Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens.  Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017.  You may be gone from our sight, but you are never gone from our hearts. – Unknown.