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LEONARD VALENTE Obituary

VALENTE

LEONARD "LENNY" Dec. 17, 2009 age 13. Beloved son of Leonard and Lucrezia (nee Minniti). Dear brother of Christina Valente. Grandson of Joanne and Fortunato Minniti, Anna and the late Leonard Valente. Nephew of Andrea and Gene Straface and the late Frederic Valente; also survived by his aunts, uncles, cousins and his dog Buddy. Lenny was an eighth grade student at Stella Maris School who enjoyed his family, friends and video games. Relatives and friends are invited to Visitation with his family TUESDAY 9 A.M. at the Church of Stella Maris, 9th and Bigler Sts., Phila., PA followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 A.M. Ent. Calvary Cem., Cherry Hill, NJ. In lieu of flowers, family request contributions be made to Children's Hospital of Phila. Checks are payable to Neuro-Oncology Fund, 34th St., Civic Center Blvd., Phila., PA 19104 in memory of Lenny.

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Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News from Dec. 19 to Dec. 21, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for LEONARD VALENTE

Not sure what to say?





Joe Casasanto

December 18, 2010

Lucrezia & The Valente family:
My Boys and I would like you to know that Your Lenny is in our Daily Prayers Still, as are you and your Family.
I was VERY PROUD to be the Home Room Dad for Lenny's class for a couple of years. Getting to know Lenny and the rest of his class was very rewarding for me. Last year during that sorrowful week I was never MORE PROUD to be part of the Whole Stella Maris Parish, our Class, Miss Smith, Sister Lawrence, Father "D" EVERYONE who made Lenny's departure to Heaven a Beautiful one!!!
I would like to share a story with you, One day while I was the Homeroom Dad, I assisted Miss Nicodemo to help the kids make Crucifixes out of Match sticks, It was a pleasure to do and all of the kids really did a great job.
My son Joey was so proud of his that he took it home and placed it in his Room. Last Year when you distributed the little boxes with Lenny's picture on it, Joey placed it directly in the center of his Crucifix and has it hanging right next to his bed !!! I am not a big fan Lu of having the boys hang stuff on their freshly painted bedrooms :) but in Joe's case I made an exception. So Lenny is in Joe's thoughts and prayers every night as his picture and Crucifix hang right above his bed. :)
My Twins who are 8yo now remind me every night at prayer time "Dad,let's not forget about Lenny up in Heaven" !!
So Lucrezia, Please know that Lenny will forever be in our thoughts and Prayers as are you and your beautiful Family.
Lenny is spending his Holidays in Heaven with the Angels and God himself.

May God Bless and be with you all during this sad anniversary

Joe Casasanto Sr.
Joe Jr.
Angelo
Michael
& Santino

Nicole Fantom

December 17, 2010

Valente Family,
I don't even know what to say. I can't believe that a year ago Lenny died. I can remember the silence and saddness of our class a year ago. I remember serving the funeral, which was one of the saddest days of my life. I remember this all so clearly and it seems like it was yesterday.
This is a sad day for all of us. I think of Lenny and all of the memories we shared. His courage and strenth and determination will never be forgotten. Decemeber 17 will always be a sad day. But Lenny was probably so happy to meet God. Lenny got the best Christmas present of all last year.
I know Christmas is a sad holiday for you all but I know Lenny will be with you somehow, someway.

Nicole Fantom

Lucrezia Valente

December 16, 2010

Hi Lenny,
Tomorrow will be a year since I got to hold your hand or kiss your cheek. It doesn’t seem real and it doesn’t feel like a year has passed. It’s probably because I feel your presence every day. You are always on my mind. I am trying to use your strength and courage to live life to the fullest. But, there is a constant pain in my heart and I don’t feel like a whole person. You are such a big piece of my heart and I yearn to see your smiling face. I know that we will see each other again.
I can’t help the tears; they flow on a daily basis. I know that you are okay and are watching over us, but I can’t help but think about what the future would have been like with you. I missed seeing you graduate 8th grade, but I know you were there. I am missing your first date, your high school dances, your sister teaching you to drive, etc. I try to imagine these things and smile because I hear your laughter and see that smiling face.
It’s Christmas time and I wonder why we couldn’t have a happy ending. But, I don’t know about Heaven. I have faith that it’s a wonderful place and you are happy; able to do all the things that you want to do; and full of life! My faith tells me that this is your happy ending right now and we will need to wait for ours.
I know that you are helping us get your foundation off to a good start. “Lenny’s Friends with Wings Foundation” will be an extension of you. It will allow us to keep your giving spirit alive. When we delivered the toys to Children’s Hospital on the 13th, I know you were there and were very happy to see how many smiles we were delivering to the children.
As a parent, the hardest thing is letting go of your children. I wish I could be with you and be a part of all the good things you are doing up in Heaven. Please forgive my tears, but I can’t promise you that they will stop. Unfortunately, time does not heal these wounds. Every day is another day without you.
I love you with all my heart. Please keep sending the signs and allow me to see you in my dreams. I cherish the memories and will never forget the joy you brought to my life. Whenever I am feeling really low, I remember how you dealt with disappointments. You were upset for about a minute and then said “okay, what do we need to do”. Your strength and courage inspire me on a daily basis.
I love you and miss you so much!
Love , Mom

August 6, 2010

went to visit you today, didn't feel your spirit! went to your home last week, you were all around me. love & miss you, Aunt Cathy

February 24, 2010

Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you & I continue to pray for your family.I have lil angel Lenny's picture hanging up in work next to Nicky's & Christina's , and I pray every day that God keeps them safe and Lenny shines upon them!!!! Lisa Dachino

Susan Matteis

January 29, 2010

To The Valente Family,

Len, it's been so long since I've seen you and your family. We worked together for several years, and the one thing I remember is how your face lit up when you spoke about your children. I am so sorry you and your family have lost one of the most important people in your life. My heart is breaking for you. You will always have something that can't be taken away, the smiles, the happy times, and the love you and your family shared every day. I know Lenny had the love and strength to take on his journey because he had a great family. Don't forget you will all be together again someday smiling, and that light will shine from your face again.

Susan Matteis
Ted Paylor

January 25, 2010

To The Valente Family,

I knew Lenny through my granddaughter, Taylor DeFeo, as I use to take Taylor and her sister to school everyday. Taylor spoke highly of Lenny, and she said to me Mom-Mom Lenny was so nice, and he never spoke badly about anyone, and Taylor said to me Mom-Mom, he was the nicest person that you would ever want to know. Taylor and Lenny were in the same room. She no longer lives in Philadelphia, and when she told me of his death, I was so devastated, and she still does not believe he is gone. My heart and our prayers go out to you and your family. Jeannie DePasquale (Taylor DeFeo's Mom-Mom)

Janice Clark

January 22, 2010

To the Valente Family,

I never knew Lenny but my grandaughter Taylor DeFeo went to school with him from the time she wass in Kindergarten until she moved. I am very sorry to hear of your recent loss. I know how hard it must be to lose your child to cancer especially after i heard he was in remission. Please accept my condolences and my offering of prayers and thoughts on your family's behalf. May God Comfort You and Your family during this time and always. God Bless You All. In Heartfelt Sympathy, Mrs. Janice Clark, Grandmother of Taylor DeFeo.

Dana Smith

January 14, 2010

My Dear Lenny,

I am overwhelmed with sadness as I write this note. Words can not express the impact you had on my life and what you meant to me. Being your teacher was not only an honor, but a privilege as well. When you were able to attend school, there wasn’t a day that you didn’t bring me sunshine and when we would speak on the phone, you always made me smile. Somehow, when I was supposed to be the one making you laugh, you would make me laugh instead!

You were an immense inspiration to not only me, but to your classmates as well. I am extremely proud of you and all of your accomplishments. The work you produced and your creativity were extremely impressive. When I would read the journals you would write for me, a feeling of pride overwhelmed me. I cherish those journals everyday.

I could sit here for hours and try to come up with the one word that describes you Lenny, but the truth is, one word could never do it. You were an amazing kid filled with so much wonder and creativity. Your humor was out of this world and your smile, well, it could light up the sky! I thank you everyday in my prayers for being my ray of sunshine this year and for filling me with so much happiness.

I often think to myself: “Why did you have to leave us?” or “Why did they take such a wonderful child?”. Then it hits me: I know that God needed you up in heaven to keep things under control and to tell him jokes everyday, just like you would do in class. God needed a magnificent angel and he found that in you, Lenny. I take comfort in knowing that you are our angel.

It was an honor to know you and your wonderful family. Your mom, dad, and sister are amazing people and they will miss you everyday. Watch over them Lenny and watch over us as well. Your family and the bond that you all shared are inspiring.

I find myself thinking about the memories we shared and I smile. Knowing you Lenny, made me a better person. You taught me courage, perseverance, faith, and hope, but most of all, you taught me how to Believe! Each time I find myself losing faith, I will think of you and how courageous you were during your fight. The world lost a star the day you died, but heaven gained it’s brightest angel. You will always be a shining star in my eyes. Thank you for always bringing me sunshine. I miss you dearly. Forever in my heart…May God Bless You always!

Love, your teacher,
Miss Dana R. Smith

Dana Smith

January 14, 2010

Dear Lenny:

Without you, we find ourselves lost. The day you left us, we lost a piece of our heart and a part of our souls. We have been through so much together and things just won’t be the same without you. We take comfort in knowing however, that we have found our own angel in you, Lenny.

We were lucky to have known you and lucky to have shared such wonderful times with you. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t share some funny Lenny story or a great Lenny memory. We often talk about how much you hated that you were born in February because of your aversion to pink and how you said it was a “girls only” month. We also share how you would play football and bring humor to our class everyday! More importantly though, we remember you as the best friend we ever had. In one of your journals, you quote friendship as: “a bond of trust you can make with another person”. These now, are words we live by.

You were an inspiration to us and we miss you dearly. You are remembered in our prayers everyday and we still keep you with us in class. Your desk still sits, just as you left it, and you are still a part of us, the class of 2010. We dedicate this year to you Lenny and we promise to honor your memory. You taught us how to Believe. You are our hope and we thank you for all that you did to brighten our lives. Each time we look up at the sky, we will think of you. You will remain in our hearts forever. Here’s to you Lenny, our angel, our guardian, our mentor. Thank you for being you.

We Love and Miss You so much!
Love, Your classmates,
The 8th Grade Class of 2010
and Miss Smith
Stella Maris School

January 11, 2010

Hi Lenny,

It’s almost a month since I had the chance to kiss your cheek and hold your hand. I miss you so much! I am trying to use your strength to get me through the days and nights. I hope you know that you were an inspiration to me and everyone around you. We never gave up hope that you would get better and be a typical teenager.

We became so close in the last two years. I miss your smile, your laugh and even when you got mad at me for making you do your school work. You and your sister are my life! When you left, a big piece of me came with you. I have to learn to live without your physical presence and live through the memories. Looking back, I can’t remember any bad memories. Even when we you were going through your treatments, you always found a way to smile and be our hero.

I’m glad that it happened quickly because I never wanted to give up and have to tell you that there were no options. I never left you alone and didn’t want to leave you now. We were with you the entire time (me, Daddy and Christina). Even Buddy came to see you! I think you knew that and made sure you left me when I was sleeping. You knew that Daddy was the only one that could handle your last breath.

Fearing the unknown, I had a lot of questions. Who would greet you? Would you recognize them? Would you be scared? Would we still have a connection? How could I live without you in my life?

My fears are no longer, I know that you are at peace and that you are walking and being a typical teenager. The only thing is that you’re not here with us. I feel your spirit all the time. Remember in the hospital, that feeling was remarkable! I felt like you were giving me comfort and hugging my heart. All the signs and dreams are coming our way to let us know that you are okay. I think that you are with your Uncle Freddy and you are playing football and having a great time. You finally got to meet your grandfather and your great grandparents. They probably can’t stop hugging you!

I feel like I am wearing a mask to hide the pain in my heart. The mask is on whenever I am with other people. Alone, I cry and I am so sorry that you see me. But you know Mommy, I cry at everything!

I try to remember every moment and question every action of your last few days, but I can’t find reason to doubt that we did all we could. We were unselfish and loved you enough to say Goodbye for now. We will live out the rest of our lives, following your example, and know that we will be togeher again.

I told you many times that you were a great son! I am so glad that God sent you to me and let me share you with so many people. You are a generous, kind and thoughtful person. Your courage, bravery and strength is an inspiration to everyone you have met. Your services were beautiful and I hope you saw all the lives you have touched.

I love you with all my heart and know that you are my angel.

Love,

Mommy

January 4, 2010

Mr. & Mrs. Valenti and Christina,
Thank you for allowing me to have been a part of Lenny's life. You placed your trust in me to teach him in Pre-K and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that privilege.
Know that your family will always be remembered in my prayers and heart.
Love,
Mrs. Tait

Sandy Weaver

January 4, 2010

Dear Valente Family: I read of Lenny's death in the Inquirer and was touched by your loss. My own daughter, Joyce, passed away on March 1st after fighting a brain tumor for 26 months. She left her husband, John, and 3 little children that she longed to raise. In my own grief, I wanted to reach out to you and let you know that you are not alone. I have been praying for your family these past two weeks and will continue to keep you in my prayers. God did not intend for our children to lose their lives in this way, but He will send His love with the embrace of every friend, family member, and stranger like me to sustain you. May I recommend a wonderful book for you? This was given to me by a friend and was helpful. It's written by Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD and is titled, "Healing a Parent's Grieving Heart". Celebrate the life that was Lenny, as I will celebrate Joyce - for they were truly a gift from God.

connie klianis

January 3, 2010

Dear : Lucrezia,Lenny,Christine Valente..... We really deeply sorry for ur lost !!!! We love Lenny so much.I never forget about lenny s grow He is very handsome guy. Lenny is wonderful loving and thoughtful...We keep ur family in our prayer always love cousin canadian Connie and Mike Klianis

Bill & Cheryl Mailley

December 30, 2009

We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.

Cristina Fioravanti

December 27, 2009

Dear Valente family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was the other third grade teacher at Stella Maris when Lenny was in Mrs. Palumbo's third grade class. While I never knew him personally, I will always remember his warm and friendly smiles in the hallway as he greeted me, "Good Morning" or "Good Afternoon."

Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers, and may you find comfort in knowing that Lenny is now your guardian angel. He also no longer in pain, and his love will live on forever in your family and in all of the lives he touched while here on earth. May God Bless you all always and forever.

Love,
Mrs. Fioravanti (formerly DeAngelis)

Christina Valente

December 27, 2009

Lenny,

You started out as my baby brother, who I always wanted to help take care of, to my annoying little brother who I made fun of (joking around).. then you became my friend, who I talked to whenever I fought with mom & dad, and you ended with being my hero, which i never thought would have been possible 10 years ago. You became an inspiration to so many people with your courageous attitude and will to fight.

You fought for 2 long, hard years and I'm so proud of you. I don't know how you had the will to fight for so long, because I know if it was me I would be so scared. When you were first diagnosed, I didn't think you were going to be as strong as you turned out to be, because you were terrified when you just had to get a needle.

But you never showed any fear, just hope; and I hope our family took part in that because all we ever wanted to do was keep you positive, even if we weren't. I loved listening to and singing goofy songs with you in the clinic because it always made you laugh and forget about what was going on. I'll never forget your infectious smile and silly little laugh; it was so unique =)

I know all you wanted was to be a normal teenager again, and now you finally can be. I know you're getting all your hopes, wishes, and desires granted right now in heaven.. God owes you !

This goes without saying, but mommy, daddy, buddy and me miss you so much already. Thank you for all the little signs you've been sending our way! They are helping us all feel better!

I feel like I should be a lot more upset than I am, but it all still seems to surreal; I always feel like you are around somewhere in the house, playing your games as usual - I don't think it'll sink in 'til much later.

But for now, I am at peace because I know that you're happy, and I strongly believe that you are giving me this strength so I can help out our family members who are having a tougher time accepting this tragedy; and I promise I will.

I love you Lenny; you'll always be my little brother so never question that; i will ALWAYS keep your memory alive. When I have kids in the future, they will know all about their uncle Lenny, just like we were taught about uncle Freddy.

But not only are you still my little brother.. you are now my angel, who I will continue to pray to and talk to until i see you again <3 .. but make sure you put in a good word for my with the big guy, just to make suree i get there ;)

Love,
Your Big Sister, Christina

Tony Zagarella

December 25, 2009

Godson,
With your leaving us, you take a part of our hearts with you. You were taken from us too soon. You have been relieved of your pain, your burden lifted. I know that my sadness is selfish. It is something that will ease and will be replaced with all the good times of playing cards, hanging out in the mountains, down the shore and Christmas. I know that you are in good company with your Grandfather, Uncle and Great Grandparents. I hang on knowing that someday we will see each other again in paradise. I'll try to remember to bring my deck of cards.

All my love,
Uncle Z

Cre, Lenny and Christina,
I am so sorry. I can't get the words out to tell you how my heart aches for your loss. Time is the only healer right now. We cannot question God's plan for us. I truly believe that he spared Lenny and us from further pain and suffering if he waited any longer. I feel God lets us feel this pain so we will know the true meaning of joy when we join Lenny and our family members that have gone before us. Lenny was a great kid. He said what he meant and he meant what he said!
You have to keep going - you still have a beautiful daughter, loving and caring parents and many family members that need you. Lenny would really be upset if you didnt make an effort to pick yourselves back up. He knows he was loved unconditionally. What ever I can do for you, I am here for you. May God bless you and give you strength during this time of sadness and loss.

Love,
Uncle Tony

December 24, 2009

Valente Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am very upset so I cannot imagine your pain. Lenny was kind, caring and funny. I have gone through this type of pain when my grandpop pasted away. I am not going to say that you will be okay because you won't. You just have to remember that he is not suffering anymore and he will have the best Christmas in heaven this year. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Lenny may be gone but never forgotten at Stella Maris.
-Nicole Fantom

Sandi Ebberhart

December 23, 2009

To Lucrezia and Lenny and the entire Valente -Minitti family
My deepest sympathies go out to you. An angel on earth is so hard to replace. But GOD needed him more to help spread the love and kindness he had within.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL

The family of Anthony Audia

December 22, 2009

Valente Family

Many thought and prayers to your family, I did no know Lenny personally, my brother was a classmate of your daughter Christina. May you find comfort in your memories and in your love for each other, as a parent my heart breaks and I pray for your peace.

December 22, 2009

To The Valente Family

I was so sad to here about Lenny he was a great child I am the mother of Anthony Gentile that goes to school with Lenny and also a lunch mother so when Lenny tried to play football I was there and love to have that opertunity to see that I new Lenny very well and am so happy that my son had the chance to no him and have him as a friend he will be so very missed but will live in all our hearts. As one mother to another there are no words to say just that I am very sorry

With all our love The Gentile Family

December 22, 2009

Lucrezia, Lenny and Christina and Lenny's extended Family:
This Morning,I along with my sons Joseph (Lenny's classmate)and Angelo (Lenny's friend) were honored to witness and be a part of the Most Loving, Heartfelt, Beautiful Funeral Mass for your Lenny. I was so proud of everyone in our parish for making this a Special Day for Lenny and GOD knows Lenny deserved it. Father "D", Sister Lawrence, Miss Smith and Lenny's Classmates truly made this one of the memorable moments in our parish's history and it was all for your Lenny!
Please know that me and my boys were honored to know such a wonderful child and we will never forget him. Stella Maris was blessed to have Lenny in our class rooms and we are all better people for knowing Lenny and your Beautiful family through out the years.
I sincerely hope and pray that the Lord above Comforts you during these difficult days that lie ahead. We will miss Lenny but he will never be forgotten. We all loved him and he will definately be missed. You will all be in our prayers.

GOD BLESS LENNY
GOD BLESS THE VALENTE FAMILY
GOD BLESS ALL OF STELLA MARIS PARISH

Our Deepest Condolences
Joe Casasanto Sr and my 4 boys
Joseph jr
Angelo
Michael
& Santino
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

December 22, 2009

Dear Lucrezia, Lenny, & Christina,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Words cannot express our sorrow and our concern for you. Although we haven't seen Lenny in quite a while, we remember a happy, sweet, and loving little boy ... quick to smile and laugh. Treasure his memory and all that he brought to your lives!
You are in our hearts and in our prayers.
Love, Lori & Tony

ANNA CARPINO

December 22, 2009

I am so deeply hurt & upset. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Lenny is such a wonderful little boy. I will always remember his gracious smile. Heaven has recieved a beautiful angel looking down on us. Lenny is now mario's angel. He will guide & guard him through out everything. We love you all and are always here for you. May GOD BLESS you and give you the strenght to live each day.Lenny will be in our hearts forever. He will never be forgotten.

December 21, 2009

Valente Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. I know that I have been extremely upset about this so I cannot even image what you are going through. I hope that you will accept my sympathy. Just remember that Lenny is now your angel. Even though he is gone, he will never be forgotten. And no matter what, he will always be watching over you. We all love him and he will definately be missed. You are all in my prayers.
- Dominique Nave'

Anna Cardullo

December 21, 2009

Lucrezia, Lenny and Christina: There are no words that can be said to comfort you at this time. Me and my family have you all in our prayers. Lenny will always be in our hearts. Please accept our condolences and if there any thing you need please let us know.

Mr. Joe Zaleski

December 21, 2009

Mr. and Mrs. Valente and Christina,
He is with the Christ Child this Christmas. May God bring you closer to His heart.

December 21, 2009

"Lucrezia, Lenny and Christina. We are deeply sorry for your lost. We will keep your family in our prayers always. Love your Canadian cousins Sam, Jessica, and Andrew Leto

December 21, 2009

To the Valente Family,
I am a student at Stella Maris School but i didnt know Lenny personally. I do know that he will be missed dearly and nobody will ever forget him. He will be in our hearts forever and one day we will be with him again. Please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your family during this tough time. I know for a fact that it will get easier as time goes on because I have been through a lot during my life with losing people I love. I will be praying for you and your family.
- Janine Baldino

December 21, 2009

There are no words that could express the sorrow we feel for your family. We didn't know Lenny personally but knew what he was going through and he was the BRAVEST! And you as his parents were the strongest when he needed you the most! He was destined to be YOUR ANGEL! You guys are in our prayers. We love you Chris!

The D'Achino Family

Evelyn Torres

December 21, 2009

Lucrezia,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I cannot even begin to imagine what you must be going through but I know you are strong and will reach a point of peace and comfort just knowing that Lenny is at peace. Please hang on to those memories you have and will keep forever in your heart and mind.

The Torres Family

December 21, 2009

Valente Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief, may your memories big you comfort. God needed another Angel. God Bless you All.
The Orlando Family
Arizona

December 21, 2009

Lenny, Lucrezia and Christina -
We cannot begin to express the sorrow we feel for the loss of your beautiful son and brother Lenny. But we know that you have so many happy memories and hope they will somehow comfort you and give you strength. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat, Bill and Jill Fleming

December 21, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God provide the strength through family and friends to help you through this most difficult time.

The Spellman Family

December 21, 2009

Lucrezia, Lenny and Christina. We are deeply sorry for your lost. We will keep your family in our prayers always.

Love,The Lanzalone's

Michael DiComo

December 21, 2009

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your son. My prayers are with you.

Chris and George Herghelegiu

December 21, 2009

Our thought and prayers are with you, during these difficult times, God bless you all, with Love....... United Capital Lenders.

Lucrezia Viviano

December 21, 2009

dear valenta family sorry to hear about your loss ill kept yhe prays going for your family to find peace in your hearts.May Jesus bless your family.
Vivianofamily

December 21, 2009

Our thoughts and Prayers are with the Valente Family during this time of sorrow.


The Masino Family

Jane West

December 21, 2009

Lenny,Lucrezia & Christina,
I was so sorry to hear about Lenny.
What a great tribute here to him.
He was an extraordinary child and you were so blessed to have him as a son.
Know that he is watching over you and will always be with you.

My Deepest Sympathies.

December 21, 2009

We are so sorry for your loss. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. The pain and suffering is over but the memories will live forever. Your family is in our prayers.

Frank, Maria, Stephanie and Andrew DiCicco

December 21, 2009

Dear Valente Family,
You know as well as I do, that no words can explain why this happens...Although, please find comfort in knowing that we will continue to have you in our prayers to help with finding the strenght to carry on...
With much love,
The DeLuca Family

Sandy Straface

December 21, 2009

To the entire Valente Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Angelina and Sandy Straface

Michael Anastasio

December 21, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I am very sorry to hear about Lenny.My deepest sympathy is sent to his family during this time. May God be with him and you guys always.

December 20, 2009

Lenny, you were a one of a kind. You were a great friend and a pleasure to be around. Even though you are gone you will always be in my heart. I will keep your family in my prayers and thaughts during this hard time.

- Mary Amadoro

December 20, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

The Laino Family

December 20, 2009

Our prayers go out to the Valente family. Lenny was a wonderful boy, so kind and generous. You are in our prayers as Lenny will be sadly missed.

-The Venditti Family.

December 20, 2009

Christina,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. There are no words to comfort you but I know that God will give you, your mom and dad the strength to go on.
With much affection,
Mrs. Galdi

December 20, 2009

Lenny

You were always a big part of our lives and our hearts and you remain that way forever.
We love you.
Love Aunt Jo and Uncle Carmen

Rita & Rachel Reed

December 20, 2009

To the Valente Family,
I am so sorry for your lost. My heart goes out to you all. May you find comfort knowing that Lenny is with God, and in peace.

December 20, 2009

Lenny,
What a brave kid you have been throughout this battle.You have the best mother, father, and sister any child could wish for. Our hearts are broken without you, but we know you are with us, and thats what will get us through. Give grandmom and grandpop a kiss from us. We love you and miss you already.

Love,
Guy, Kathy, Little Guy, and Mason.

December 20, 2009

What can I say to you Len, Cre, Christina?
My heart is broken, I feel so helpless I can not take the pain away, only know that we grieve with you. What a joy this boy was in his short life. What a kind and giving soul he was. I guess that God needed him very bad and took him home to suffer no more. Remember you will see him again. Whole and pain free.Someday, someday.May God help you and bless his soul.

always, Ginger and Joe Smith

December 20, 2009

To the Valente Family:
Our deepest sympathies to you. Lenny is truly an inspriation to all of us.He taught us to believe. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
The Fantom Family

December 20, 2009

Valente Family,
My deepest sympathies are with you during this time. Teaching Lenny 7th grade was a wonderful experience. His enthusiasm for learning and his diligence to his school work was amazing. He was not only an inspiration to the students but to me as well. Tutoring him over the past summer was a wonderful experience and it really allowed me to get to know Lenny. He is a wonderful young man who has touched my heart forever. He will be greatly missed at Stella Maris.

Love,
Teresa McGill

Kathy Shepherd

December 20, 2009

Our neighbor little Lenny, we did not know you very well, but we did see the courage you had, your unselfishness way by donating a gift given to you to do what ever you wanted, you intern donated to the oncology department. We saw a boy, having to grow up to fast, I know now you will be a happy, healthy child living with God and the angels.Our greatest sympathy to the Valente family. Mark and Kathy Shepherd and family

Louie & Lina Carioti

December 20, 2009

To the Valente Family, we are filled with such sadness over this terrible loss. Little Lenny is now with the angels, who no doubt will take very good care of him. Our most deepest sympathy go out to you all during this difficult time.

Susan Borman

December 20, 2009

I am SO sorry for your loss as it is such a great one. May your most cherished memories get you through this time and the hope that Lenny is now in Heaven where he will be at peace, God Bless. In my thoughts and prayers.

Doreen D'Andrea-Scherer

December 20, 2009

To the Valente Family,
I am a member of Stella Maris Parish and worked as a lunch mother there for many years. I didn't know your son, but realized that I went to high school with Lucrezia (SMG Class of '80) As a mother myself (my son also attended Stella Maris) I cannot even fathom the depth of pain that you are going through! Please accept my sincere sympathy, from one mom and former classmate to another. Try to take comfort in the fact that Lenny is now your guardian angel! He will always live on in your heart. May God grant you peace.

December 20, 2009

I never had the opportunity to teach Lenny at Stella Maris, but I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to talk to him in school and get to know him. He was a sweet, respectful boy who was an inspiration to everyone. He made us BELIEVE!! He will missed very much but his memory, his strength will remain forever at Stella Maris. I am sorry for this heartbreaking loss and know that your whole family and Lenny will remain in my prayers and thoughts.

Love, Mrs. Angelo

Joann Sullivan

December 20, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with all the memebers of Lenny's family. I visit Stella Maris School weekly and have observed Lenny trying diligently to keep up with his academics and perservering through many difficult days. He truly was an inspiration to me and to all who had the priviledge to know him.

Joann Sullivan

December 20, 2009

From the moment Little Lenny was born, I knew he was a special soul. Kind, generous, loving, outspoken, unselfish, courageous are just some of his traits. I have 13 years of happy memories and special times that will stay in my heart forever. Knowing he is with Jesus and pain free now is what comforts me. The courageous way he fought these last 2 years should be an inspiration to all of us. Little Lenny will be in my heart forever. My love & prayers are with Lenny, Lucrezia, Christina, Buddy and all of our family.

Aunt Mary

December 19, 2009

Lenny,
you were the strongest kindest,happiest, UNselfish, smartest and loved young boy that I have EVER known in my life!
I know your in peace now.
I know you with great grandmom and great grandpop Rudi now... and knowing grandmom she is feeding u her pastini and knowing grandpop he is probally telling you all about Mussolini and America.... and....
I know for sure they are giving u lots of hugs and kisses!
I love you !
Love,
Roe <3

Barbara Clark

December 19, 2009

Lenny was truly one of a kind. He was thoughtful and loving, kind and caring. I feel blessed for having the chance to have Lenny as a student. Lenny will never be forgotten. He will remain in my heart forever. My deepest sympathy is sent to his family during this time. May God be with you now and always.

The Palamone Family

December 19, 2009

To the Valente Family:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. Lenny will always be remembered.

December 19, 2009

Lenny was a great kid and he will be very missed by the entire Stella Maris community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and classmates during this very difficult time.

Donna Digneo and the Stella Maris Lunch Mothers

December 19, 2009

I am heartfully sorry for the loss of dear Lenny. It is sometimes difficult to explain the relationship between a teacher & her student. You develop a bond with each and every child and care for them deeply. Leonard was a boy that captivated my heart from the moment he stepped foot into my classroom. Handsome, rosey cheeks, endearing smile, smart & the personality to melt anyones heart. He will surely be missed
I am deeply sorry for this great loss & hope that you find comfort knowing that he is at peace with the Lord now...no more pain.
Lenny & your family will always be in my daily prayers.
With Love,
Nicole Palumbo & Family

uncle tony

December 19, 2009

you are our brave soldier and angel.
love you

love, aunt cathy

December 19, 2009

You will always be my angel.

December 19, 2009

We're deeply sorry for your loss. May the fond memories of your time together bring you strength and comfort. Lenny is an inspiration to all and will never be forgotten.

The Armando Family

The DiGiacomo Family

December 19, 2009

Words cannot express our sorrow for the Valente Family. Lenny was a great kid, kind, loving and thoughtful. We will miss him and will NEVER forget him. Our hearts are broken.

Nave Family

December 19, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

December 19, 2009

Lord God, source and destiny of our lives, in Your loving providence You gave us Lenny to grow in wisdom, age, and grace. Now you have called him to yourself. We grieve over the loss of one so young and struggle to understand your purpose. Draw him to yourself and give him full stature in Christ. May he stand with all the angels and saints, who know your love and praise your saving will. Amen
We are so sorry for your loss, your family is in our prayers.
Love, The Talotti family.

December 19, 2009

I am so sorry to see this young man listed here. May he rest in heavenly peace with his heavenly father this christmas. May his family find the comfort they need in his sweet memories and with the care and concern of family and friends.

Showing 1 - 74 of 74 results

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