Concetta Valese

Connie Valese, 79 of Manahawkin, NJ, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her loving family on December 6, 2025. Connie was born in Newark and lived in Belford before moving to Manahawkin 25 years ago. She spent over 50 years as a hairdresser, starting in her mother's basement and working her way up to the most popular salons in Middletown, where she was adored by her clients. Connie loved cooking for family gatherings, listening to 80's pop music, and taking short trips to Atlantic City to have some fun playing the slot machines.
Surviving are her devoted husband of 34 years, Michael Valese; her daughter, Gina Scalanga, and wife, Lisa Costello; her son, Anthony Scalanga, and wife, Allison; her son, Michael Scalanga; her beloved grandchildren, Gia and JJ; her sister, Fran Murray; and brother-in-law, Daniel Murray. Connie was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Scalanga; her father, Michael Dimino; her mother, Jean Angelina Dimino; and her brother, Accusio (Gus) Dimino.
A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 3 pm to 7 pm at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindal Road, Middletown. A memorial prayer service will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in Concetta's name to the charity of your choice.