For me, she was “my pal Val,” for many others a portal into world culture and history, showcasing the things we all aspire to visit, but may not get there. Valarie D’Elia was engaging, thoughtful, full of energy and information. She was locally admired, working at radio station WICC, then going national. She passed away September 10.
Obit from Abriola Funeral Home:
Valarie D’Elia, age 64, born in Bridgeport, CT, raised in Trumbull, passed away on September 10, 2024. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Paul and Rita D’Elia. She is survived by her brothers Daniel D’Elia, affectionally known by her as “Dannie Boy”, and Paul D’Elia and her long-time companion, Ronald Cukos. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and the many beloved dogs in her life. Valarie was a graduate of the University of Miami in Florida and the Columbia University Graduate College of Journalism. Valerie was a passionate lover of dogs and had many beloved furry canine companions throughout her life. Given her strong love of family, and passion for her ancestral Italian heritage, Valerie arranged many trips to Italy with family members so they could experience and share the joy of their Italian roots.
Valarie was a longtime member of the New York 1 community. In her long career, she worked for many other outlets including the Travel Channel, HBO and the WOR Radio Network where she hosted “The Travel Show” also known as “Travel with Val”.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. directly in St. Stephen Church, 6948 Main St., Trumbull. Interment will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull.
Donations in her honor may be made to local ASPCA offices.
To leave an online condolence, please visit us at www.abriola.com.
