Robert O. Valerio, MD passed away peacefully, on February 12, 2026, in Cambridge, MA. Born at the Boston Lying-In Hospital, now Brigham and Women’s Hospital, on July 29, 1946, to Manuel and Elisabeth (Oliveira) Valerio, Bob was raised in Cambridge and Boston, MA. He attended the former Agassiz Grade School in Cambridge and Boston Latin High School, and graduated from Boston University School of Medicine in the six-year medical program.
After graduation, Bob began an internship, working at the Emergency Room at Cooley Dickenson Hospital, Northampton, MA. Following his internship, Bob was drafted and served as a U.S. Air Force Flight Surgeon at the rank of Captain. For most of his two years’ active duty during the Viet Nam war, he was stationed at Westover AFB, Chicopee, MA; he served a 90-day deployment to Andersen AFB in Yigo, Guam with his squadron. As an officer, he remained on reserve status indefinitely, following his active duty. After his discharge from active duty, he worked for seven years at Cooley Dickinson, finding that he got along best with the radiologists, he became one. He completed his radiology training and Fellowship in Ultrasound at St. Raphael’s Hospital in New Haven, CT, where he met his wife, Jean Bruno. Bob became a board-certified radiologist and worked at five other Massachusetts hospitals: Goddard Memorial in Stoughton, Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, St. Elizabeth’s in Brighton, and St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. He served for a while on a physicians’ disciplinary action committee as well.
He was an avid tennis player, dart thrower, golfer, car enthusiast, Red Sox fan, joke teller, poker player, and classical pianist. While at home or in his car, he enjoyed classical music, as long as it was composed before 1850. At parties, he would lead singalongs of show tunes at the piano. He thoroughly enjoyed his Maine adventures with his OES buddies. During the last 18 months, he enjoyed his new friends, the movies, and bingo at Brightview in Arlington, MA.
Bob was predeceased by his wife, Jean M. (Bruno) Valerio; and his daughter, Elise Valerio O’Hara. He leaves behind his daughter, Julie Cornell (Ed MacLean); son-in-law, Sean O’Hara; and grandchildren, Joseph, Gracie, and Michael; his sister, Nancy Elisabeth Davidson; nieces and nephews and his in-laws from the Bruno family; as well as many dear friends, including Edward L (Jay) von Stein, David Votto; and the remaining members of OES. Bob was one of the original founding members of the One Eyed Sunnies Fishing and Poker Society in 1982, becoming a huge part of his lifelong friendships over 40 years. The family is grateful for the assistance of family friend, Catherine Mesner during the last few years and a team of care providers.
Visiting Hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. (Rt.16), WELLESLEY, on Tuesday, February 24, from 9:30-10:30am, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, Wellesley, at 11:00am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Latin School Alumni Association or the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Online guestbook, at gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781-235-4100
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