Obituary published on Legacy.com by Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Sep. 6, 2025.
James "Jamie" Valvano, 48, of
Scranton, Pennsylvania, was called to his eternal resting place on September 2, 2025. Jamie will forever be remembered as a devoted husband and father, loving son and brother, and an unwavering loyal friend. Jamie touched countless lives through his business achievements, his generosity, and, most especially, his devotion to family and friends.
Born June 1, 1977, in Scranton, Jamie was the beloved son and grandson of a construction legacy built on hard work and dedication. He attended Scranton Preparatory School and continued his studies at the University of Scranton. It was during his university years that Jamie discovered his true calling as a businessman, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, yet carved a distinguished path all his own.
Jamie founded TSE Enterprise Inc., the parent company, which became the cornerstone of numerous successful ventures, including Stone Run Trucking and ValaCon Enterprises. His entrepreneurial vision also expanded outside construction where he was involved in commercial real estate development and management, and partnering in innovative infrastructure projects, such as the Northeast Marcellus Aqua Midstream pipeline. Jamie's dedication to each business earned him a reputation as a respected businessman; one who had the unique ability to juggle multiple ventures, ensuring excellence in each.
Jamie's impact expanded far beyond his business achievements. He was a philanthropist and a man of deep generosity. He was a sponsor of many charities, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation where he was the proud recipient of the 2016 Gala Honoree Award. In addition to his many public sponsorships, Jamie was always quick to quietly lend a hand to anyone in need. He always believed that true success was measured not just by professional accomplishments, but by the impact one leaves on others.
Jamie's greatest joy, however, came from his family, especially his three girls who his world revolved around. Together with his beloved wife of 22 years, April, and his two beautiful daughters, Alexa and Luciana, he built a family of love and shared a lifetime of adventures, including traveling the world. Whether it was skydiving in the Poconos, jumping off yachts in the Caribbean, off-roading in the deserts of Dubai, or speeding through the streets of Italy, he emulated his favorite quote, "work hard, play harder." Despite traveling all over the world, however, the two places he cherished the most were his home that he and his wife built from the ground up and his condo in Puerto Rico. Both places served as a sanctuary for family time most often spent laughing with the girls and enjoying his latest Netflix favorites with the love of his life. He also found much joy with his two buddies, Rocco and Paris, who were his shadow around the house.
Jamie is survived by his wife, April Valvano, his two daughters Alexa and Luciana, his parents, Angela and Rocco Valvano Sr., who were his strength, his brother Atty. Rocco V. Valvano Jr., and wife Erin, his sister Melissa Franceschelli, and husband Mark, his niece Alexandra Valvano, and his nephews Rocco Valvano, Roman Valvano, and Domenick Franceschelli, brother-in-law, Louis Nehme. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Anthony and Mary Tunis and paternal grandparents James and Mary Valvano. A viewing for Jamie will be held on Sunday, September 7th from 1pm to 5pm at the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad, West Scranton with a Mass and celebration of his life on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 315 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton. All are welcome to attend, to remember and honor a legendary life lived to the fullest and are requested to go directly to St. Peter's Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Jamie's name be made to; National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, 6520 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-2132