Vera Maria Valenta

The matriarch of The Valenta Family left us on April 24th to be reunited with her husband and daughter in God’s kingdom. Vera was born on April 22, 1923 in Reggio Calabria, Italy to Luigi and Francesca Paolillo, one of eight children. In 1953, with husband Antonio and daughter Silvana, they came to America to start a new life that began on Kenwood Ave in downtown Binghamton. In 1958, the family moved to their longtime home on Binghamton’s Southside.

Vera was predeceased by her parents, husband, Antonio, daughter, Silvana, brothers Pasquale, Romolo and Umberto, sisters Amelia, Elvera and Maria, and her grand-dogs Bojangles, Moa, Hoover, Rocky, Moose and Lindsay.

She is survived by her sister, Caterina Paolillo, Italy; son, Anthony (Patti) Valenta, son-in-law, Fred Penick, grandchildren: Kyle (David) Valenta, Trevor (AmySue) Valenta and Scott (Caroline) Valenta, Preston (Amie) Penick, Francesca Penick and Zachary (Sachelle) Penick, great-grandchildren: Zakayla and Rylee Penick, Rocco and Vivian-Silvana Delucia and Mazzy-May Valenta, her special nieces Maria Belancsik and Franca Paolillo, special nephew Domenico Giovinazzo, and many nieces and nephews.

Throughout her life, she took exceptional care of her family and home, was passionate about her faith, her work and the meals she created that her family enjoyed. She relished conversations at the kitchen, with her friends and co-workers as well as with neighbors and passer-bys when sweeping the sidewalk in front of her home. In her early years, she enjoyed attending the events that Silvana and Anthony participated in, dinners and dances at the Sons of Italy and American Civic Association, reading newspapers, gardening, sewing, cooking, watching entertainment/variety shows, music and going to the movies. In her later years, it was watching/listening to CNN, Mass on Sunday at Noon, PGA Golf, the NCAA Basketball Tournament, Figure Skating, Oprah, her favorite soaps and hearing about the events her grandchildren participated in. She was also passionate about politics and could hold her own in any debate. Mom always saw the glass as half-full. She was very proud to receive her U.S. citizenship and being able to vote. Most of all, it was her family and her “amici” that meant the world to her.

In her final few days, Mom and our family were given a tremendous amount of caring, compassion and support by the staff of Wilson Hospital North Wing 4, UHS Pastoral Care, Lourdes Hospice, relatives and many friends. Wonderful people all and we thank you.

Our family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, April 30, from 9 am to 10:45 am at Saints John and Andrew Church, 1263 Vestal Ave, Binghamton. A funeral mass will follow at 11 am. Burial will be at Vestal Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Vera’s memory may be made to Loaves and Fishes Pantry, 1263 Vestal Ave, Binghamton, NY 13903 or to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, PO Box 17279, Baltimore, MD 21297-0495. Arrangements are with the James V. DeMarco & Son Funeral Home.

Tutto il mio amore per la famiglia e gli amici (All my love to family and friends).