OBITUARIES - 7/30/18

July 1, 2018

Kenneth Lipinski

Ken Lipinski, 75, of Huntington Beach, Calif. died on July 9 from Parkinson’s Disease.

A Class of 2012 inductee into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame (NSSHOF) in the Manager category, Lipinski managed Seacrest Mavericks, now Sommerville Softball.

“Ken is a true gentleman and was a giant among men in senior softball,” said Mike Adair, a member of the Mavericks from 2001-2007 and a 2014 player inductee in the NSSHOF. “He for years led his teams to great success on the field, but for me his true greatness was his genuine caring for his teammates and their families. One of the best days of my life was to have been there for his induction into the senior softball Hall of Fame [2012 Inductee]. My family has been truly blessed to know Ken and even though he will be missed greatly, he will never be forgotten.”

“Very sorry to hear of Ken's passing, the softball world will surely miss one of its great ambassadors,” said Michael Boone, SSUSA National Director and 2016 player inductee in the NSSHOF. “I, personally, always enjoyed the time that Ken and I had speaking about softball, and life in general, not to mention our team battles on the diamond. Our most sincere sympathy and condolences to Bunny (wife) and the family.”

“Ken was an icon in our sport,” said Steven Imlay, a 2010 player inductee in the NSSHOF. “He was a class act and he will be missed by not only his players, but the players who played against his teams.”

"Kenny was one of my first, and most special friends in Senior Softball," said Fran Dowell, SSUSA Executive Director and a 2015 NSSHOF inductee in the director category. "He will be missed deeply. Rest in peace, Kenny."

CLICK HERE to read further testimonials on Mr. Lipinski.

Mark P. Alcott

Mark Alcott, 51, of Fremont, Calif., died on June 16 while scuba diving.

Alcott began his SSUSA career with the South Bay Bombers, playing with the team for two seasons (2016 and 2017).

He most recently played in the Rock ‘N Reno Challenge Cup last month with Bringin’ the Pain.

Don Valenti

Don Valenti, 57, of Cottage Grove, Ore., died on June 20 following an apparent heart attack while playing in an Albany Parks & Recreation game.

Valenti, a member of SSUSA since 2014, most recently played with NW Vintage in the Yakima Qualifier this past April. In 2017, as a member of Snapped Off Sports/Sam City, Valenti helped the team win the Jim Sherman Memorial Northwest Championships.

Valenti has also played with All City Plumbing, Quicksilvers (now Senior Bend Elks), Premier Softball Club, and Slayers throughout his years in SSUSA.

Valenti is survived by his wife of 25 years, Maria "Regie" Sison-Valenti, who is also a member of SSUSA.

"Don Valenti was the kind of ballplayer that you wanted on your team because he gave 200% whether he was coaching bases or playing," said his wife Regie. "He was a motivator who looked for the strengths in the people he played with and challenged them to give their best effort.  When he was not playing he would help coach his wife's 50's Team Battleaxe team by keeping book or coaching bases!  He played with teams from all over Oregon and was loved by the entire softball community. He will be greatly missed by us all!"


In memoriam
Jeanne Marie Brooks, 78: Wife of Don Brooks, SSUSA National Director