Ismael Valles Obituary (1959 - 2025)

Ismael Eduardo “Ed” Valles Earnest November 14, 1959 – October 23, 2025 Ismael Eduardo “Ed” Valles Earnest was born on November 14, 1959, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where his father, Ismael Valles Ordaz, an engineering student at the University of Alabama, met and married his mother, Mona Lisa Earnest Valles, a true Southern belle and student at Auburn University. A lifelong traveler, Ed began his adventures at an early age. As an infant, he journeyed to his father’s homeland of Venezuela during the country’s vibrant democratic era. Boundless curiosity, love of exploration, and love of people would define his life. Ed’s father worked in the oil refineries in a town his grandfather helped found. Ed spent his formative years in Venezuela before returning to the United States to pursue higher education. He began his studies at the University of Alabama and later earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Gifted with a magnetic, larger-than-life personality, Ed was perfectly suited for a career in fundraising, though he preferred to call it “friend-raising”. He began with the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of Elizabeth Dole. Ed came to Dayton in 1998, where he raised vital support for numerous nonprofit organizations, including Daybreak, Dayton Children’s Hospital, the Victoria Theatre Association (where he played a key role in funding the Schuster Center), PBS ThinkTV, and the University of Dayton, where he passionately championed the arts and libraries. During his interview at the University of Dayton, Ed was asked if he’d be comfortable working in education, since he hadn’t done so before. With characteristic insight and wit, he replied, “PBS is the nation’s classroom!” Deservingly, he landed the job. A voracious reader in both Spanish and English, Ed possessed an abundance of talents. He was a gifted artist, an enthusiastic salsa dancer, a superb host, and an exceptional cook with unmistakable culinary flair. His impeccable eye for design and décor brought warmth, color, and life to every space he touched, just as his events radiated creativity, elegance and humor. Ed is survived by the love of his life, Dr. Eric Street, whom he met in 1998 and married in 2013; and by his cherished sisters, who will forever remember him as an infinite source of laughter, inspiration, and encouragement; Monika Valles Paz (married to Douglas Paz) of Curaçao, and Melissa Valles Earnest (former spouse Robert Zak) of New Jersey. He is also survived by nieces Veronica Paz (Edward Booth) and great-nieces Alessandra and Gabriella of Arizona; Rebecca Paz (Dick Daniel Zeÿdel) of New York; nephews José Manuel Paz (Hanna Bronström) and great-nephews Manuel and Santiago of Stockholm; and Connor Valles Zak and Nicolas Valles Zak of New Jersey. Ed is lovingly remembered by a host of family members across Venezuela and Alabama, and by countless dear friends who were truly family to him. To everyone who knew him, Ed was the life of the party and a friend to rely on. Ed’s passion for education and public broadcasting never waned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to PBS ThinkTV or WDPR. After planning so many beautiful events for others, Ed requested no public memorial service. Interment of his ashes will be private.