Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. (D-17) led a street co-naming ceremony on Friday, Sept. 20, in honor of the late Grammy-winning musician and Bronx native Dave Valentin. The event, which took place on Fox Street in the South Bronx, celebrated Valentin’s legacy as a distinguished artist and community leader.
Valentin, a renowned flutist and Musical Director for Tito Puente, was born and raised on Fox Street in Salamanca’s district. Despite achieving global recognition in the world of Latin jazz, Valentin remained deeply connected to his roots. A former student of Casita Maria, a historic South Bronx arts and education center, he dedicated much of his life to giving back to the community that nurtured his talent.
“Dave Valentin was more than a musician; he was a beacon of hope for the Bronx,” Salamanca said. “These street co-naming ceremonies are for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their community, and Dave was the embodiment of that. No matter where his career took him, he never forgot where he came from.”
Casita Maria, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, played a key role in organizing the street co-naming in Valentin’s honor. The ceremony was part of a series of events marking the school’s milestone and paying tribute to individuals who helped shape its legacy.
“Through his lifelong support of Casita Maria, Dave touched the lives of countless Bronxites, especially the children who saw him as both a mentor and an inspiration,” Salamanca added. “His dedication to uplifting our community never wavered, and for that, we are forever grateful.”
Valentin’s family, friends and fellow musicians attended the ceremony, sharing stories of his passion for music and his unwavering commitment to the Bronx.
“Dave’s heart was always with his community,” said a representative from Casita Maria. “He didn’t just perform for the Bronx; he gave back in meaningful, lasting ways.”
Valentin, whose parents both came from Puerto Rico, died in March 2017 at the age of 64.
