By Charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
Former high school assistant principal Joseph Valenti, 65, died March 23 at St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, according to an obituary provided to Packet Media Group.
”Anyone that knew Joe was enriched by his presence,” schools Superintendent Dr. Gary McCartney said during Monday night’s Board of Education meeting. “The world will be less of a place without him. We send our condolences to his family.”
Dr. McCartney said Mr. Valenti, a resident of Monroe, spent more than 37 of his 38 years in education at the high school where he filled many positions, including that of a math teacher, chairman of the math department and finally assistant principal.
Dr. McCartney said he held that position from 1985 through 2007 when he retired from the district.
Former superintendent Dr. Sam Stewart also praised Mr. Valenti and his legacy in the district.
”Joe was an outstanding person and a wonderful human being,” Dr. Stewart said Monday. “He made tremendous contributions to the district.”
Mr. Valenti was born and raised in Perth Amboy and moved to Monroe Township in 1969, according to his obituary.
He began his education career at Colonia High School and moved to the South Brunswick district the next year.
During his career, he also was a member of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association.
Outside of education, he was a past president and was serving as vice president of the Monroe Township Public Library board of trustees at the time of his death, according to the obituary.
He was a fan of the New York Yankees and Rangers, carrying season tickets for the hockey team for 35 years. He was also a third degree Knight of Columbus in the Spotswood Council No. 4907.
According to the obituary, he was predeceased by his parents, Joseph F. and Mary Zayka Valenti, and his brother, Vincent Valenti. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy Sesterak Valenti, of Monroe, his daughter, Jennifer A. Ley, of Little Falls, his son, Joseph J. Valenti Jr., of Alexandria, Virginia, two sisters, Patricia Poulson and her husband, Rodney, of Monroe, and Maryann Kenny, and her husband, Kevin, of Woodbridge, two grandsons, Christopher and Alexander, and many other extended family members.
Funeral services were scheduled to be held yesterday at the M. David DeMarco Funeral Home in Monroe followed by a service at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Monroe and entombment in the Holy Cross Burial Park in South Brunswick, according to the obituary.
The family requests any memorial contributions go to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, Maryland, 20852.

