Valeriu Olteanu

Valeriu Olteanu was a man of faith, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his family and beliefs. Throughout his life, he exemplified integrity, hard work, and a deep love for God. His journey—from a small town in Romania to a new life in the United States—was marked by perseverance and devotion, leaving an enduring legacy for those who knew and loved him.

Valeriu, a bright and energetic boy, was the seventh of eight children born to Constantin and Tudora Olteanu, a faithful Seventh-Day Adventist family. He came into the world on April 6, 1939, in Ziduri, Romania.

He received his formal education in Ziduri while also assisting his parents with household responsibilities. These formative years built the foundation of his outstanding work ethic. As a youngster, he remained productive, not only for his family but also in service to the Lord.

Driven by a passion for education and a desire to see the world, Valeriu moved to Bucharest, where he met his wife, Ica, at church. After courting for a few years, they married in the Labirint Seventh-Day Adventist Church on September 29, 1963. Shortly after, they moved to Galati, where Valeriu became an active member of the local Seventh-Day Adventist community, singing in the choir and supporting youth education by sharing religious literature. This was especially significant given Romania’s communist regime, which imposed strict laws against proselytizing and freely expressing one’s faith.

The couple was overjoyed when the Lord blessed them with their first child, Loriana, in 1968. Five years later, they welcomed their son, Leonard.

While working to support his family, Valeriu pursued further education at a local technical college, where he obtained an Associate Degree as a foreman and licensed plumber. However, due to the political climate and his commitment to observing the Biblical Sabbath, he was unable to advance his career. At the time, Romania had a six-day workweek with no exceptions. Many faithful Seventh-Day Adventists faced persecution for remaining true to their beliefs. Valeriu, however, managed to negotiate working on Sundays in order to honor the sanctity of the Sabbath while keeping his job.

A man of great diligence, Valeriu often used much of his vacation time to work on private projects, supplementing his income. For many years, he successfully led plumbing projects with a team of individuals who shared his faith. These years were especially meaningful, as he had greater freedom to apply his skills and work ethic.

Valeriu was a quiet yet profound thinker, an avid learner who loved music, geography, history, and international politics. He was always reading books, magazines, and newspapers, but above all, he cherished the Word of God. He studied the Bible deeply, seeking to understand God and the meaning of life, often researching prophecies with the help of Ellen G. White’s writings.

With a desire to expand his horizons, Valeriu applied for a permanent visa to relocate to the United States in 1987 after numerous failed attempts to obtain a travel visa. These were perilous times, as the Romanian communist government labeled those seeking to leave as traitors. Constantly watched by the "Securitate" (government informers), Valeriu and his family faced significant danger. Yet, through God's protection, they persevered. On March 20, 1991, the family of four immigrated to Manchester, NH, to begin a new life in the “land of the free.”

Valeriu sacrificed much to honor God and his conscience, risking everything to escape the oppressive Eastern European communist regime. Though he spoke no English upon arrival, he secured employment and worked for the same company for nearly three decades. His impeccable work ethic, punctuality, optimism, and innovative problem-solving earned the trust and respect of his coworkers and company owners alike.

In December of 1992, Valeriu was diagnosed with colon cancer. With God’s help and the unwavering support of his family and church, he returned to work after only three months of treatment. He often expressed gratitude for God’s mercy in extending his life for more than 32 years—a blessing he never ceased to acknowledge during family gatherings.

His deep faith and love for prophecy and spiritual matters culminated in his dream of writing a book, which was published in Romania and later translated into English: “Why America?”

For 30 years, Valeriu was an active member of the Manchester Seventh-Day Adventist Church, serving as a deacon. After relocating to Salem, NH, he transferred his membership to the Salem SDA Church when commuting became difficult. His love for the Lord was unwavering, and he instilled the same values in his children from an early age, teaching them the stories of the Bible and, most importantly, leading by example with love and grace. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6.

On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Valeriu fell asleep in Jesus at his home in Salem, NH, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ica Olteanu of Salem, NH; his daughter Loriana and her husband Ron Evelyn of Bedford, NH; his son, Leo, and his wife Phuong Wilson of Salem, NH; his sisters, Georgeta Filea and Aurelia Cauia; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Valeriu’s devotion to the Lord was the foundation of his life and service. His joyful influence and generous spirit will live on in the hearts of those blessed to know and love him. Rest in peace, precious child of God, as you await that Great Day of Resurrection when we will meet again on that beautiful heavenly shore, never to part again. The best is yet to come!