Gilardo "Jerry" Valente

Gilardo (Jerry) Valente, 92, of Wyckoff, passed away on Sunday May 31, 2026. He was born April 12, 1934 on the Island of Ponza, Italy, and later relocated to Avellino before immigrating to the United States in 1962. 

Jerry is survived by his wife Concetta (Fasolino) Valente, son Jerry Valente & Deborah (Davies) and son Robert Valente & Barbara (Weissert).  Grandfather to Jacob & wife Mary (Larsen), Sarah, Nicolas & wife Holly (Kooiker), Hannah and Jordan Valente.  Great-grandfather to Jasmine, Lathan and Anastasia. He also leaves many close nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his son Anthony Valente and granddaughter Gabriella Valente.

Jerry started working at Fiat in 1950 as an auto body repair technician until he joined the Italian Military at age 18 in 1952, where he then served for two years. In 1951, he met his wife Connie. Connie followed her family to the United States while Jerry finished serving his appointment in the military. She rejoined Jerry in Italy where they got married on January 22, 1959, then returned to the United States as he awaited approval for his immigration visa, which came later in 1962. After immigrating into the United States, Jerry and Connie started their new life together in Paterson, New Jersey where he began working for Brogan Cadillac & Oldsmobile. Jerry continued to do auto body repair until the facility closed, due to a fire in 1980.  Jerry officially became an American Citizen in June of 1966.  He worked hard and moved with his family to Wyckoff, New Jersey in 1969. He joined the Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department Company 3 in 1973 and made many friends.  Jerry was a very talented person; he could fix anything.  He was often sought out for his talents and expertise.  He loved to garden, spend time outside, and be together with his family.

The Valente family will receive friends from 4:00PM to 7:00PM followed by a prayer and Fireman's service on Thursday, June 4th, at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers; memorial contributions may be made to Sicomac Engine Company #3, Wyckoff Fire Volunteer Fire Dept. 428 Sicomac Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481. 

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