Obituary of Joseph Valenti

Joseph Valenti, 82 of Franklin Lakes, NJ passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2018 surrounded by his family.  Joe was born on April 9, 1935 in Solarino, Siragusa, Sicily, and came to the United States in 1949.  He attended the Paterson school system after coming to this country at the tender age of 14 aboard the Queen Frederica.

While attending Central High School by day he worked at Pappa Joe's Butcher Shop in the afternoon and evenings and soon became a partner in this business at age 17.  Since his father's wish was for all three of his sons to own a business together, he left the butcher shop and co founded Valenti's Bakery, Inc. located in Paterson, NJ.  He owned the business for approximately 50 years until his retirement in 2004.  Joe was a longtime resident of North Haledon, NJ before moving to Franklin Lakes in 1995.  

Joe was a happy go lucky man who never met a stranger he didn't like. He had a huge heart and helped may people through the years, never asking for anything in return.  His biggest loves were his adoring wife and family.  He lived for his family and was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.  One of his biggest joys was traveling every summer with his wife, Sarina, to their home in Sicily to visit with extended family and friends.  He loved music, especially opera, and could be found singing in his baritone voice entertaining all of us.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sarina Valenti (Brancato) of Franklin Lakes, his daughter Nella Veldran and husband Steven of Franklin Lakes, his daughter Anna Valenti Miccio and husband Daniel of Franklin Lakes, his son Joseph Valenti and his wife Graziella of Oakland, his seven grandchildren, Sabrina and Sean Veldran of Franklin Lakes, Brendan and Steven Miccio of Franklin Lakes and Joseph, Frank and Gianna Valenti of Oakland.  He is also survived by his brothers, Salvatore Valenti of North Haledon and Paul Valenti of Mount Dora, FL.  He was predeceased by his sisters, Carmelina Tommasi and Angelina Manciafico.  Joe was a longtime parishioner of Most Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church in Franklin Lakes.  He was a member of the Santa Croce Camerina Society in Hawthorne, NJ and a frequent visitor at the Solarino Society in Paterson.  

Funeral from DeLuccia-Lozito Funeral Home, 265 Belmont Avenue, Haledon, NJ on Friday at 9 AM.  Funeral Liturgy at Most Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church at 10 AM. Interment, Christ The King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes.  Visiting  on Thursday from 3-9 PM. Memorial gifts to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, would be appreciated.