Joseph O. Valenza, age 48, of Medford, passed away on Tuesday, October 14th, at Massachusetts General Hospital of Boston. Born in Somerville, he was raised and educated in Medford, the beloved son of Joseph and Maria (Romito) Valenza.
Joseph worked for many years as a baker alongside his father at the family business, Joseph's Bakery of Medford and later at D'Orsi's Bakery of Peabody. At the time of his passing, he was employed as a Dock Master for Northeast Security (formerly Allied Barton) at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, where he was a valuable employee for almost 20 years. He knew everyone by name, and everyone knew and loved him.
Joseph loved sports, especially watching the Patriot's football games every Sunday. His hobbies included fishing, boating and spending time at the shooting range. Joseph was a good hearted family man who lovingly cared for his partner of 14 years, Melissa DeFelice and their daughter, Malayna, who he raised as his own. They enjoyed quiet evenings at home, spending time with family and their Sunday morning breakfasts at the Paul Revere Restaurant in Medford. They especially loved their trips to the mountains of North Conway, New Hampshire.
Joseph was the loving son of Joseph and Maria Valenza. He was the dear brother of Maria Stankiewicz and her husband Michael, and Teresa Given and her husband Jeffrey. He was the cherished uncle of Stella and Michael Stankiewicz, Julianna Corcoran, Sarah, Stephanie and Alissa Given, and great uncle to his nephew Cayden Corcoran.
Joseph is also survived by Melissa's parents Brian and Donna DeFelice Sr., her brother Brian DeFelice Jr., his wife Jeanenne, and their sons Dominic and David DeFelice. Joseph also leaves many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Visiting hours will be held in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Monday, October 20th, from 4pm to 8pm, and again on Tuesday, October 21st, at 9am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Joseph's Church, 118 High St., Medford at 10am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.