Sayreville
Arnold Valentino, age 77, of Sayreville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at his home in Parlin, with his loving family at his side. Arnold was born on July 7, 1942, grew up in Newark, New Jersey and graduated in 1958 from East Side High School. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June of 1960 and served his country honorably until 1964 as a Lance Corporal. During his tenure, he was part of John F. Kennedy’s inaugural parade, but also had the unfortunate duty to be part of his funeral parade.
In 1974, he moved to Sayreville where, along with Helen, his wife of 52 years, they raised two daughters, Renee and Sharon.
After his service in the Marines, he worked on the railroad for 41 years. He began his career with the Central Railroad of New Jersey from 1965 to 1976, and then went on to work for Conrail from 1976 to 1982. In 1983, he began working for New Jersey Transit where he stayed until his retirement in 2006. He was always a smiling face for many commuters into and out of Newark and New York Pennsylvania Station and made countless friends who were both coworkers and passengers.
He was extremely proud of his military service and was an active member of the Sayreville American Legion Post 211. He joined in 1994 and served willingly for 27 years. During his time there, he served as Vice Commander and also as Post Commander from 2009 to 2010. He was also part of the Honor Guard and participated in countless Memorial Day ceremonies and parades, retired many tattered flags on Flag Day, and honored many of his fellow military vets at ceremonies and funerals.
He was commonly known as “The Mayor” because he seemed to know everyone. Those who knew him recognized that he would do anything for anyone in need; it didn’t matter what the task or who they were.
He was also an active member of the Sayreville War Memorial High School Marching Band - Band Parents Association and could be seen at every home show, car wash, clothing drive, competition and football game. They knew him as “BandPa.” Watching his granddaughters, Julia and Hailey, in the band was always a highlight for him.
Being a grandfather was a job he was made for and one that he never took lightly. He would stop, drop and roll to do anything for his grandkids and was active in their childhoods in any way he could be.
He loved going to watch his grandson, Vincent, play baseball. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren, Valentina and Anthony, at their home in Freehold, New Jersey.
He was also incredibly proud of Dana Roccanova, who was like another daughter to him, as he watched her grow into the woman and mother she has become. He was very fond of her son, Brandon Mancini, who followed in Arnold’s footsteps joining the Marine Corps, where he proudly serves today.
He is predeceased by his mother, Gertrude Valentino, and his sister, Gertrude “Trudy” Just.
Surviving is his loving wife of 52 years, Helen Valentino of Sayreville, his brother, Richard Valentino, and sister-in-law, Gail, both of Florida, Carmella Carley of North Carolina, his daughter, Renee Block, his son-in-law, Frederic Block, his two granddaughters, Julia and Hailey, his daughter, Sharon Mamone, son-in-law, Paul Mamone, and three grandchildren, Vincent, Valentina and Anthony, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are private to family following federal guidelines regarding COVID-19. Completed arrangements and letters of condolence to the family may be found by visiting www.spezzifuneralhome.com