Marilyn Valvano

Marilyn Valvano, nee Cooney, passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 26th.

She spent the day surrounded by her children,  grandchildren, nephews, nieces and great friend Donna Viola.

Marilyn was born on July 1st 1940 in Newark, where she resided and attended West Side High School.  She married the love of her life, Frank Valvano, on October 14th, 1962.

After starting their life together in Newark, and welcoming their daughter Dana (Sullivan), they moved to Irvington.  After their son, Frank Jr. was born, Marilyn became fully immersed in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Community.  She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout Leader, was the President of the Home School Association and Rosary Society and served on the Parish Council. 

In 1980, they moved to East Hanover, where she continued to be active in the community.  Frank and Marilyn enjoyed travelling and spending summers in Mantoloking Shores and winters in Jupiter, Florida.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Dana, her son Frank Jr., son in law Sean Sullivan, daughter in law Kelly, Grandsons Sean Sullivan Jr., Frank III and his wife Guila, Daniel & Christian Valvano and Granddaughter Andie Sullivan.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Camille Acque, 5 nephews, Michael & John Mainero, Dominic, Michael & Frank Acque as well as their wives.

She is predeceased by her parents Matthew and Jessie Cooney, her sister Dorothy Mainero and most importantly her husband Frank, whom she is ecstatic to be reunited with.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations in Marilyn's memory to Tunnel to Towers. (See donation box below)

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Monday, December 1st from 4-7pm.  Funeral on Tuesday, December 2nd, assembling at the funeral home at 9am, followed by the funeral mass at Holy Family Church in Florham Park at 10am.  Entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. 

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