Erasmo "Omar" Flietes Valdes, Retired Animal Shelter owner 102.Born March 8th 1913, he went peacefully to be with his Lord at home with those whom he loved by his bedside on Wednesday, October 7, 2015. Born in Cuba, he was orphaned by his mother and raised by his grandmother in Guantanamo Bay Cuba. His first real job was caring for an elderly woman in Havana. This lead to many such personal service jobs that eventually placed him in the employ of Madame Blanco, a personal designer for the wife of the then President of Cuba. He immigrated to America in 1950 and enlisted in the United States army, confused with the new language and culture he decided to take a trip to New York City, instead of showing up for enlistment in Ft Myers. AWOL from the Army, this event would prove to be a divine blessing for his future. The FBI finally caught up with him in 1951 and now fully in the Army, they sent him to the front line of Korea, where he served in the 40th Division as a cook in the battles of the Punch Bowl and Pork Chop Hill. One night while in the trenches on combat patrol, he prayed that God would give Him just 5 more years. Honorably mustering out as a Sergeant on March 4, 1954, he returned to NYC.He started an animal shelter in NYC which then led him to Parksville in Sullivan County in 1975. Retiring from the animal shelter business and moving to East branch and then Hancock. It was here that His FBI record would prove to be the one thing that gave him the benefits that would assist his latter life. His life was a colorful one with many amazing chapters, those who truly knew him, knew what a stellar man he was. He will be greatly missed. Omar never married. He is survived by his adopted family, Ruthie Bascom and her Husband Reverend Kenneth Bascom, Valerie Collins and her husband Morgan Collins, Jessica Tracey and her husband James Tracey, Cassidy Bascom.As per Omar's wishes, a private graveside service was held on Monday October 12, 2015.Those wishing to make a donation to the memory of Omar are encouraged to send them to Calvary Fellowship UDR, 238 Wheeler St., Hancock NY 13783. Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.