Jack Valensi

Jack Valensi passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026. Jack is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn Palumbo Valensi. He was the devoted father of Lisa Valensi (Brian Tilzer) and Kimberly Valensi (Frank Dolan), cherished grandfather of Jackson, Joseph, and Joshua Tilzer and Jolie and Tyler Dolan. The loving brother of Meyer Valensi and the late Albert Valensi, he was the dear son of the late Elie “Louis” Valensi and Rachel Sarfatty Valensi.

Always the life of the party, Jack lived his 88 years with a level of passion, joy and positivity that enriched the lives of everyone he touched along the way.

Jack was born and raised in the Bronx. The child of Greek and Turkish immigrants, Ladino was his first language. A staff sergeant in the US Army reserves, he took great pride in his military experience. From modest beginnings, he became the quintessential self-made man rising through the ranks of large firms in commercial real estate in Manhattan and eventually building Valensi Realty in his image of high integrity and client focus.

A resident of Harrington Park for over 53 years he was an avid volunteer: as a girls’ softball coach; at his temple; and as a specially trained Bergen County judicial panel member, where he heard cases of alleged juvenile offenders. A position he excelled at because of the patience, compassion, and fair mindedness that were an inherent part of his nature.

He was a professional drummer, fantastic dancer, artist, handyman, and gardener. Later in life Jack poured his immense creative energy into becoming the videographer for the weddings and special occasions for all his friends and family’s children. He was an active participant in the Temple Beth El of Northern Valley/Kol Dorot community for many, many years. Despite juggling a successful career, community activities and so many hobbies, there was never a doubt that family came first with Jack. Together with Carolyn, they built a life that integrated their different faiths and ethnic cultures. Friends and relatives from around the globe were warmly welcomed into their home and were made to feel instantly a part of the family. First raising his daughters then welcoming their spouses, and later in life becoming Papa Jack or Poppy to his 5 grandchildren, Jack brought his characteristic positivity and joy to everything. Always ready with a smile, a joke, or a compliment, he had a way of making the mundane things special. If only his daughters had a nickel for every person who said, “I love your dad!”

All are welcome to celebrate Jack’s life and honor his memory on Sunday, May 24 at 1pm ET at Kol Dorot River Edge, 385 Howland Ave ., River Edge, NJ. Shiva will be held at the home of Kimberly Valensi in Harrington Park, NJ on Sunday 5/24 from 6-9, Monday 5/25 1-4 and 7-9, and Tuesday 5/26 6-9. All are welcome to join the family.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you consider donating to one of Jack’s favorite charities, the Wounded Warriors Project, Tunnels to Towers, or a charity of your choice.