Valentino A. Yap

Valentino A. "Chila" Yap, 69, of Tupelo, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice. Born on September 25, 1956, in Cebu, Philippines to Vivencio Lopez Yap and Teodosia Alagon Yap, Valentino lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a passion for the things he loved most.

A proud engineer, Valentino earned his engineering degree and spent his career working in the engineering field. He was a man known for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and unwavering love for his family and friends.

Valentino was of the Catholic faith and found joy in life's simple pleasures. Known affectionately by many as the "Chicken Man," he enjoyed breeding chickens and sharing that passion with others. Whether caring for his flock, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying conversations with friends, he brought warmth and laughter wherever he went.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Olivia Yap; his stepsons, Joel R. Chacon and John Beloved Chacon; his stepdaughters, Sophia Brewer and Sonja Velez-Waltrip, his sisters, Baby Yap and Velma Yap; his brothers, Vernon Yap and Vernario Yap; his grandchildren, Anthony J. Chacon, Nygil Steven Chacon, Nathan Daniel Velez, Jose Benjamin Velez, Gabriel Steven Velez, Andrew Castaneda, Josh Castaneda, Jessie Castaneda, Alexis Castaneda, Andrea Castaneda, Tabitha Castaneda, Jourdan Chacon, Savannah Chacon, and Meghan Chacon; ten great-grandchildren; and his dear friend, Jeff "Chicken Apprentice" Watkins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Victor Yap. 

Those who knew Valentino will remember his kind heart, his dedication to family, his sense of humor, and the pride he took in his chickens. He never met a stranger and was always willing to share a story, lend a hand, or offer a smile.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Associated Family Funeral Home in Tupelo, where friends and extended family are invited to gather, pay their respects, and celebrate Valentino's life and legacy.

Associated Family Funeral Home of Tupelo is honored to serve the Yap family during their time of loss.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Valentino A. Yap, please visit our floral store.