Anthony T. Valeri

Anthony T. Valeri, 76 of Cherry Valley, formerly a longtime resident of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at St. Vincent’s Hospital.

Born in Worcester on May 26, 1944, he was one of two sons to the late Edward F. and Congetta M. (Russo) Valeri, Sr. He graduated from North High School and later earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Northeastern University. After college, Tony served his country in the Army National Guard and then worked as a computer programmer where he met Janet, the love of his life. In his later years his desire to help people led him to work as the nighttime supervisor at The Bridge House, New England Aftercare where he provided guidance, encouragement and practical help to former convicts transitioning back into society. 

If anyone knew Tony, you knew that he was always quick to help someone in need; his compassion to help people and share God’s love was evident.  If he discovered in the course of a conversation that someone was having a difficult time, he always offered to pray with them, which brought great support and encouragement. His favorite scripture was John 8:12: “Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,’” and, without a doubt, Tony shared light and the love of Christ with anyone he met. Regularly fasting and praying for his family, friends, and acquaintances, he saw God’s faithfulness to answer time and time again; Tony was tenacious in his faith.

Faithfully attending Celebration International Church in Wayland, MA for forty years, he was extremely devoted to serving his church family in a multitude of ways: teaching Sunday School, working with the Royal Ranger ministry for boys, praying on the prayer teams and most recently directing the church food pantry until his passing.  Always looking for ways to help people, Tony ensured that Thanksgiving baskets were assembled every year and distributed through Turkey Express, feeding up to 500 families every year.

His grandchildren knew him as “Papa,” and he eagerly looked forward to visits with them. He spent many hours playing with and making his grandkids laugh; it brought him great joy. He was never stingy with hugs, and the kids knew it. One of Tony’s favorite things to do was to sit and watch the latest animated film with them. When he was a kid, he enjoyed trains and western films, particularly John Wayne or Clint Eastwood, and often enjoyed watching them as an adult.

Anthony is survived by his wife, Janet A. (Sneade) Valeri with whom he just celebrated 51 years of marriage on May 16, 2021.  He is also survived by their three children: Rev. Dan Valeri and his wife Stephanie of Westfield, MA, James M. Valeri and his wife Carissa of Worcester, and Lisa A. Valeri of Belchertown, MA; four grandchildren: Nathan and Erica Valeri of Westfield, MA and Zachariah and Serayah Valeri of Worcester, MA; a brother-in-law, Brian Sneade and his wife Eva of Vienna, VA; three nephews: David Valeri and his wife Heather of North Carolina, John Nagy of Buffalo, NY, and Brad Sneade and his wife Katy of Virginia; three nieces, Debra Hamilton of New Jersey, Rhonda Valeri of Maui, HI, Francie Comeau of Florida, and Diana de Gonzalez and her husband Harold of Washington D.C.  He is predeceased by his brother, Edward F. Valeri, Jr.

Services for Anthony will be held privately at a later date.  MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.  Memorial contributions in his name can be made by mail to: Celebration International Church Food Bank, 6 Loker Street, Wayland, MA, 01778 or online at this link: https://pushpay.com/g/cicalive?src=hpp with “food bank” in the memo.