James J. Valvano

James J. Valvano, 83, a resident of Dunmore, passed away peacefully Sunday morning after a brief illness. His family and friends surrounded him during his last days. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Josephine (Josie) Perechinsky Valvano. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on August 17, 2023.

Born February 15, 1940 in Scranton, he was the son of the late Dominick and Grace Lorince Valvano. Jim was graduate of Throop High School and before retirement, was employed by the Amalgamated Garment Manufacturing industry. He also worked part-time alongside his father at Valvano’s Body Shop in Throop for several years.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Dunmore. Jim was also a member of the Army National Guard receiving an honorable discharge in 1965.

During his earlier adulthood years, Jim enjoyed bowling and was in several leagues. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast, coached his son in little league and never missed one of his three children’s games for nearly two decades. His favorite baseball team was the New York Yankees and enjoyed traveling to Yankee Stadium to watch them play. For many years, he also loved playing card games especially pinochle at Bistocchi’s Restaurant. You would always see Jim sitting on his front porch every evening waving to friends and neighbors passing by until his last days.

Most of all, he will be remembered as being a devoted and loving family man. He and Josie dedicated their lives to their family and enjoyed just spending time with all of them.

He is survived by his two daughters, Paulette Valvano-Repella and husband Christopher, Bear Creek Village; Christine Valvano, Dunmore; a son, Dominick Valvano, Dunmore; a granddaughter, Lauren Repella, Bear Creek Village; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Grace Valvano Grizzanti.

The family would like to thank Dr. MaryAnn McDonald, nurse Sandy and the rest of the staff at PrimeMed and Hospice of the Sacred Heart for the wonderful care and compassion they provided to Jim and his family throughout the years.

A funeral service will be held Thursday at 1PM in the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc. 318 East Drinker Street in Dunmore. Interment will follow in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Dunmore. Family and friends may call from 11AM until the time of service.

The family kindly requests that flowers be omitted and memorial contributions be made in Jim’s memory to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 53 Glenmaura National Boulevard, Suite 120, Moosic, PA 18507.