Obituary of Diann Valentini

On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, Diann F. Valentini (née Szakmary) of Eastport, New York, loving wife,mother, sister, aunt and dear friend to so many passed away peacefully at Stony Brook UniversityHospital at the age of 82.

Diann was born on June 22, 1940, in East Orange, New Jersey and was raised by her loving parents Kathe and Arthur Hoffmann in Brooklyn, New York. On September 8, 1962, she married the love of her life, Rudolph Angelo Valentini. They raised two sons, Christopher Szak Valentini and David Szak Valentini, in Williston Park, New York.

Diann was an accomplished professional, earning her undergraduate degree from Baruch College andher Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Hofstra University. Diann started her career asa Buyer at B’Altman & Co., a luxury department store in New York City, and later fulfilled her ultimate passion for education as a Professor of Merchandising and Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she was elected and served as Chairperson of the department.

 Diann will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family and friends, hosting unforgettable celebrations, a brilliant eye for fashion, always playing the best hand, and a sense of wanderlust that inspired all of us. 

Diann is survived by her husband, Rudolph Angelo Valentini, son Christopher and his wife Danielle (Tartaglia) Valentini of Floral Park, New York, son David and his wife Laura (Moody) Valentini and grandchildren Jon Christopher and Leona Diann of Williston Park, New York, brother Franz Otto Szakmary of Littleton, Colorado, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following organizations:
Stony Brook Cancer Center:   https://cancer.stonybrookmedicine.edu/CancerResearch/Giving

Alzheimer’s Association:    https://www.alz.org/