Dr. Valentine (Val) Richard Bauer, 72, of Arnold passed away on September 1, 2019.  Val was born March 2, 1947 in Washington, D.C., the son of the late Valentine Phillip Bauer and Anita Bauer.

Val attended High Point High School and was a proud member of the High Point football team.  After only three years, Val graduated from the University of Maryland College Park in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree.  While at the University of Maryland, Val was a member of the Sigma Epsilon Fraternity and more importantly it is there he met his beloved Frances (Fran) Anne.  In 1970 Val and Fran were married in Severna Park, MD. In his youth, Val adored his dentist and always dreamed of becoming one and opening a practice of his own. Following those dreams and with Fran by his side, he went on to attend the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1972. During the Vietnam War, Val joined the Air Force as a Captain and was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.

In 1973, Val and Fran were blessed with a baby boy, Andrew.  Val moved his new family of three back to Severna Park, Maryland in 1974 after he finished his service in the Air Force.  After working for several area dental practices, Val opened his first practice in Cape St. Claire in 1975 and was blessed with a daughter, Kristen, that same year.  In 1982, Val and Fran were blessed with the final addition to their family, a son, Gregory. Val eventually moved his practice to College Parkway where he expanded his staff and services.  He practiced dentistry in the area for 45 years and looked forward to every day at his office and always loved seeing the children and grandchildren of his first patients. Val was a kind and compassionate man and a perfectionist when it came to providing dental care for his patients.  He loved and treated his patients and his staff like family.

After the passing of his beloved Fran in 2005, Val became very involved with the local Grief Share program.  It is here, while helping others deal with the loss of their loved ones, that Val met his second love, Mary. Val and Mary spent the last 13 years together traveling, celebrating their ever growing families, and enjoying long walks along the B&A Bike Trail.

Val had a strong sense of faith and commitment to serving  his community. He was PTA President at Jones Elementary, a Stephens Minister at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church and  a Grief Share Facilitator at many local churches. He also volunteered numerous hours providing no-cost dental care for the under-served at the Annapolis Stanton Community Center.

Val cherished the sunset views from his backyard and always made time to enjoy the beauty of a sunset whether he was at home or traveling. What Val loved more than anything was having friends and family gathered together to grill Sunday suppers on his porch and take a dip in the pool or a quick boat ride down the Severn River.  Val was also an avid Maryland Terrapins fan and enjoyed organizing tailgates for family and friends.

Val was predeceased by his wife Fran, and is survived by his children, Drew (Amy) of Severna Park, MD, Kristen (Jason) of Winston-Salem, NC, and Gregory (Ashley) of Annapolis, MD, his three doting grandchildren Lilly, Charlie and Tref, his two sisters Anita of Brinklow, MD and Joyce of Nicholasville, KY and his longtime companion and love, Mary of Arnold, MD.  In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you consider a donation to the Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails at P.O. Box 464 Severna Park, MD 21146.

A memorial service will be held at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church on Thursday, September 12th at 4 p.m., with visitation to follow.

Online condolences may be made on www.barrancofuneralhome.com