Obituary of Elena Valente

Elena Valente (nee DeLuca) of Cedar Grove, passed away on March 12, 2018. She was born on March 9, 1963 in Paterson, NJ. She was the beloved wife of Bruno for 26 years, the adored mother of Gabriella, Salvatore and Eliana, the cherished daughter of Frank & Eva DeLuca, and the dear sister of Anthony DeLuca & his fiancée Tina Grizzetti, Lou DeLuca and his wife Janel, and Elizabeth Parker and her husband Greg. She is also survived by her nieces Lexie & Layla, her nephews Frank, Carmine, Anthony, Aiden & Phoenix, her in-laws Sal & Nancy Valente, sisters-in-law Traci Ciallella & her husband Michael and Amanda Valente Williams as well as many wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A very creative and crafty person by nature, she owned Confetti in West Paterson, a wedding invitation and favors business, while also designing many unique wreaths and centerpieces for various occasions. Family and friends could always be found at her home enjoying some of her delicious home cooking. Everyone who knew Elena was truly better for it. Elena's true passion in life was raising her children, Gabby, Sal and Eliana. Nothing gave her more joy and sense of accomplishment than to help them achieve their goals. An advocate for the Special Needs Community, Elena worked tirelessly, not only for her son Sal, but for many special needs children so they were offered the same opportunities as all other children.

Guests may meet at Santangelo Funeral Home, 635 McBride Ave., Woodland Park on Thursday at 9:00am before a funeral Mass at 10:00am at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 339 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Paterson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to

ECLC/P.R.I.D.E. Endowment

100 Passaic Avenue

Chatham, NJ 07928

Attn: Heather A. 

973-635-1705