Valentina Lionetti

Valentina “Val” Lionetti, lovingly known as “Dolly,” 94, passed peacefully on the evening of April 6, 2024 at the Waveny Care Center in New Canaan , Connecticut. Valentina will be lovingly welcomed and reunited with her husband Lou, her mother and father, Lena and Santillo Uva, and her many friends that she cherished throughout her life.
Valentina was born on April 1, 1930, to Lena and Santillo in Stamford, Connecticut. She attended Sacred Heart Academy in Stamford, Connecticut. She always remained active in the Catholic community and loved her time as a candy striper at the local hospital. Valentina pursued her passion for helping others working as a phlebotomist. She also loved music. Valentina learned to read music and play beautiful piano, which her family cherished the chance to enjoy on holidays and special occasions.
Dolly met the love of her life, Lou Lionetti in the late 1940’s. They were married on June 16, 1951, at St. Mary’s Church in Stamford, Connecticut and were later blessed with three beautiful sons, Mark, David and Brian. As a devoted wife and mother, Val embraced life’s moments with an infectious enthusiasm that touched the lives of not just her family, but of all that knew her. She was a beacon of light, shining with warmth, laughter, and love wherever she went.
Her grandchildren held a special place in their hearts for their beloved “Gammy,” who was ever ready for adventure in her legendary convertible – be it for a spontaneous shopping spree, a dash to Friendly’s for ice cream, or simply tackle her daily word challenge for a surprise.
After many years of preparing delicious meals and hosting family gatherings and dinner parties, Val became a connoisseur of good food – and, of course, her prosecco – savoring every moment of indulgence with her family and friends by her side.

Valentina had an insatiable zest for living and she loved to travel with her beloved, Lou. Together, they took in many incredible destinations, bringing their curiosity and passion for culture, antiques, and cuisine to each one. When Lou passed away in 1992, Val honored his memory by carrying on the tradition of travel and antiquing with her girlfriends throughout her life.
The Sunshine State had a special place in Val’s heart, and she found pure bliss in living on the water, embracing the vibrant nightlife, and sampling the wonderful restaurants of the Palm Beaches.

Val was the life of the party, always glamorous, with a smile that could light up a room. Her presence was magnetic, drawing people in and creating unforgettable memories for all that will be cherished for generations to come. She will always be remembered as a loving mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Valentina is survived by her brother, Richard, and sister-in- law, Carol, her three sons and their wives, Mark (Kelli), David (Monique) and Brian (Rosemary), her eleven grandchildren Lindsay (Dan), Ashley, Michael (Ashley) Stephanie (Brett), David (Niki), Alex (Melissa), Ryan (Denise), Lucio (Amanda), Jacki, Isla, Robbie and Alex, and nine great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass celebrating Valentina’s life will take place on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 10:30 am at St. Cecilia Church, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.