According to Wikipedia, he was either a priest in Rome, a bishop of Terni, or a martyr in Africa, which was a Roman province at the time. It goes on to offer the following account: "The man commonly referred to as Saint Valentine is acknowledged by the Church to be the former Bishop of Terni, a city in southern Umbria, in what is now central Italy. While under house arrest of judge Asterius, and discussing his faith with him, Valentinus (the Roman pronunciation of his name) was discussing the validity of Jesus. The judge put Valentinus to the test and brought to him the judge's adopted blind daughter. If Valentinus succeeded in restoring the girl's sight, Asterius would do anything he asked. Valentinus laid his hands on her eyes and the child's vision was restored. Immediately humbled, The judge asked Valentinus what he should do. Valentinus replied that all of the idols around the judge's house should be broken, the judge should fast for three days, and then undergo baptism. The judge obeyed and as a result, freed all the Christian inmates under his authority. The judge, his family and forty others were baptized. Unfortunately, later Valentinus was arrested again for continuing to serve Jesus and was sent to the prefect of Rome, to the emperor Claudius himself. Claudius took a liking to him until Valentinus tried to lead Claudius to Jesus, whereupon Claudius refused and condemned Valentinus to death. Commanding that Valentinus either renounce his faith or he would be beaten with clubs, and beheaded. Valentinus refused and Caludius' command was executed outside the Flaminian Gate on February 14, 269."
Wow, who knew? I certainly didn't. As is commonly the case, the real story is much more interesting than the modern observance to which we've become accustomed. Makes one want to visit Umbria, Terni, or perhaps find that Flaminian Gate, if it's still around.
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