Abbot Melvin J. Valvano, O.S.B., who served as Abbot of Newark Abbey from 1973 until 2022, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026 in his room in the monastery.
He was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the son of Joseph and Ella (Bologh) Valvano. He was a member of the parish of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (Linden, NJ), staffed by Benedictines from Saint Mary’s Abbey, and received his elementary school education at the parish school, under the Benedictine sisters. He graduated from Saint Benedict‘s Prep (Newark, NJ) in 1956 and spent two years of college at St. Vincent‘s College (Latrobe, PA). After a year of novitiate at St. Benedict’s Abbey (Atchison, KS) he professed simple vows to Saint Mary’s Abbey in 1959. He finished his BA degree at St. John’s University (Collegeville, MN), and earned an MA from Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ) in French and Education. He professed solemn vows to Saint Mary’s Abbey in 1962.
After ordination to the priesthood in May 1965, he was assigned to Saint Benedict’s Prep in Newark, where he taught French and Religion. Beginning in January 1969 he served as prior of the abbey and as chaplain at the Veterans Administration Hospital in nearby East Orange.
In 1972, St. Benedict’s Prep suspended operations and almost half of the members of the community transferred their vows to Saint Mary’s Abbey in Morristown.
Upon the resignation of his predecessor, he was elected at the age of 35 as the second Abbot of Newark Abbey in September 1973. His election came at a critical time: the monks had decided to reopen the school, and the abbatial election was scheduled for just two days before the first day of fall classes in the re-opened school.
Under his wise leadership and guidance, the enthusiasm and energy surrounding the new school was balanced by his emphasis on the observance of monastic life in the monastery.
He presided over the acquisition of urban renewal lots adjacent to the monastery's property, the renovation of the monastery and the Abbey church, as well as the construction of a gymnasium, a library and a residence hall.
Reelected continuously throughout his tenure as Abbot, he served the community for nearly 49 years until his retirement in 2022, making him the longest serving Abbot in the history of the American Cassinese Congregation of Benedictine Abbeys. He also served as Abbot President of the Congregation from 1989 to 2001.
Reception of the body and vigil take place in St. Mary’s Church (528 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd, Newark, NJ) and will begin at 3:00 P.M. on Monday, July 6.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 7 in St. Mary’s Church.
Abbot Melvin will be buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery, East Orange.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.