Valentino Dilanni

Valentino DiIanni, 94 of Wayne, died on Saturday, June 8, 2019.  He lived in Clifton for many years before moving to Wayne in 2006.

Valentino was born in Villalago, in the province of L’Aquila in the Abruzzo region of Italy.  On April 16, 1950, he married Rosa Caranfa, a girl he had grown up with in Villalago.  Just weeks later, Valentino boarded a ship and set off for America.  He worked himself to the bone for seven years before being able to afford for his wife and daughter to join him in America.

Upon first arriving in the States, he started working in construction and soon learned to be a mason.  Joining Union Local #2 in Paterson, he worked his way up to Shop Steward and Supervisor, overseeing many large projects throughout the area.  He was particularly good at building relationships and he was very good at getting his men to work together to complete their projects.  His work ethic was based upon one principle: work hard!  He was like a bull and never stopped working!  Even during his time off, he worked side jobs pouring concrete patios, sidewalks, or whatever anyone needed him to do.  He never took a vacation, and the idea of taking time off was almost unimaginable to him.  He did enjoy keeping a large garden at home, and that was a labor of love for him.  He grew more produce than he could possibly use himself, and it brought him joy to share his harvest with friends and neighbors.

Sadly, after fifty-six years of marriage, his beloved wife Rosa passed away in 2006. Following her passing, he decided to visit his childhood home in Italy for several months before returning to New Jersey and moving to his son’s home in Wayne.  Valentino loved spending time with his grandkids there and cherished every moment he had with them.  This made him very happy and was the best thing he could have done in his retirement years.  They love him and will surely miss him very much.

Valentino is survived by his two children; Angelo DiIanni and his wife Norma of Wayne, Josphine DiIanni of Rome, Italy, three grandchildren; Paolo Iafolla of Rome, Julia and Angelo, Jr. of Wayne, two sisters; Vincenza Gatta of Clifton, NJ and Niva DiIanni and her husband Franco Mancini of Italy, and one brother; Giuliano DiIanni of Italy.  He was predeceased by his dear wife Rosa in 2006, and by two brothers; Pasquilino and Tulio.