Jill Carter Valenti

Jill Carter Valenti passed away February 21, 2025, at the age of 81. She was born in Nashville Tennessee and raised between there and Brooklyn, New York. At an early age Jill acquired the ability to show a sincere interest in others and rise to leadership positions in whatever group she participated in. Jill continuously demonstrated it was more blessed to give than to receive. Her generosity knew no bounds. She was generous both in sharing her tidings and time. Jill was particularly devoted to the American Red Cross having actively volunteered as a fund raiser for the organization over a period of forty-five years. Her work on behalf of Red Cross Chapters from coast to coast, most notably Los Angeles and Tampa Bay has not gone unnoticed. She is recognized as a lifetime board member and Tiffany Circle founding chair for both chapters, is a former member of The Red Cross National Philanthropic Board and was recently inducted in the Chairman’s Council.

In addition to helping others in need Jill always had time for her family. She was a loving, spouse, mother and grandmother. Jill particularly enjoyed the period of time when she had an opportunity to sail to many countries throughout the world meeting persons of many cultures and in particular youngsters.

Jill is survived by her devoted husband of over 61 years Joe ; her children, Michele Grey and partner Jim, Mark Christopher and wife Lorraine: grandchildren, Ally & Joey Valenti, and Peter D’Amato, and brother Jack Carter.

A Celebration of Jill's Life will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, March 5th at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 South MacDill Tampa FL 33609.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Red Cross in remembrance of Jill.

Jill Valenti: A "Red Crosser" Life Well Lived (1943-2025)

Jill Valenti, a dedicated community volunteer and esteemed member of the American Red Cross, passed away on February 21, 2025. Jill devoted most of her life to serving on the boards of charitable organizations and schools throughout the country. She had over 45 years of volunteer experience with the American Red Cross. Jill was a Life Member of the Red Cross Board of Greater Los Angeles and an Emeritus Board Member of the Tampa Bay Chapter. She was the Founding Chair of the Los Angeles and Tampa Tiffany Circles and served on the Tampa Tiffany Circle Nation Council. Jill was also a member of the National Philanthropic Board from its inception until her retirement in June 2021.

Jill began her Red Cross career in Tampa, Florida, as a Charter Member of the Red Cross Angles, a women’s fundraising guild, where she also served as President for two years. She served on the Board of Directors of the Tampa Bay Chapter for 19 years, including two as Chapter Chair and a few months as acting CEO. She spearheaded the merger between the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater Chapters.

While living in Seattle, Washington, Jill served as Board Vice Chair for Development. During this time, she worked with the new CEO to create a new development department with programs for board giving, planned giving, an internet auction, and a collaborative relationship with National fundraisers.

Jill was born in Nashville, Tennessee and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Educated at Connecticut College and the University of Miami, she lived throughout the United States while her husband, Joe, was in the Coast Guard. For 15 years she had the opportunity to travel around the world with Joe on his assignments in Holland America and Crystal Cruise Lines. Since his retirement, they have lived in Tampa. Florida. They have two children and three grandchildren.

On September 21, 2019, Jill was the inaugural recipient of the Tiffany Circle Above and Beyond Leadership Award, presented by the Tiffany Circle National Council. On September 29, 2022, she and Joe became Chairman’s Council members, commemorating a lifetime giving of $1 million.

Those privileged to work with Jill quickly affirm that in every sense of the word, Jill was a true “Red Crosser”. She was a fundraiser’s “fundraiser” and was undaunted by most any worthwhile endeavor. Her love of the people of the Red Cross and desire to do whatever she could to help those suffering from disasters fueled her compassion and commitment as a Red Cross volunteer. She was the consummate warm smile and gentle hand that embodied the work of the Red Cross, and through her service, she touched and empowered countless lives.

Jill will be deeply missed, but her enduring impact will continue and inspire.