EDISON — Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Kevin P. McCabe released the following statement on the death of former Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti:
“The entire Middlesex County community mourns the loss of former Freeholder Blanquita Valenti,” said Middlesex County Chairman Kevin P. McCabe. “Her dedication to serving the county’s residents was unparalleled and is reflected in a lifetime of commitment to education, outreach and assisting those most in need.
Valenti was a pioneer as a community advocate and educator in New Brunswick. A groundbreaking elected official, she was the first Latina to serve on the Board of Education, the New Brunswick City Council (from 1994 to 2006), and the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders (from 2004 to 2019). A professor by trade, Freeholder Valenti’s experience included teaching at Sayreville War Memorial High School, St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick, JFK High School in Iselin and Rutgers University.
“Freeholder Valenti was seen across the state as a role model for young women and Latinos to get involved in their local communities,” said Chairman McCabe.
“Blanquita Valenti’s generosity of spirit was evident throughout her life, from her career as a heralded educator expanding the minds of all of her students to her extended tenures as Councilwoman and Freeholder, Blanquita was a guide and innovator who kept us moving forward and embracing all around us,” said Middlesex County Vice Chair Beatrice Moskowitz. “Blanquita knew the only way to success was leading with the community, a philosophy we will continue to embrace.”
Blanquita is predeceased by her husband, former Municipal Court Judge Carl T. Valenti, and survived by her five children and grandchildren.