Father Thomas J. Valenti
Diocese of Rochester
Ordained: 1976
Leave of absence: 2003
Removed from ministry: 2018
Assigned as follows:
- 1976: St. Mary of the Lake; Ontario, NY
- 1977: Holy Apostles; Rochester, NY
- 1978-1980: Blessed Sacrament; Rochester, NY
- 1984-1989: St. Louis; Pittsford, NY
- 1990-1993: Beckett Hall; East Rochester, NY
- 1994-1997: Catholic Community College of Ithaca; Ithaca, NY
- 1998-2014: Notre Dame; New York City, NY, Archdiocese of New York
- 1998-2014: St. John the Baptist; Yonkers, NY, Archdiocese of New York
- 2015: Blessed Trinity; Owego, NY
- 2015: St. Patrick; Owego, NY
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Thomas J. Valenti:
Before Father Thomas J. Valenti was even ordained in 1976, he was already a predator, according to media reports. In the late 1970s, Valenti was first accused of sexual abuse of a minor aged 15-17 years old. The abuse allegedly began in 1975, when Valenti was only a deacon and continued after his ordination into 1977.
In 2018, a local attorney brought the past allegations to the media, accusing the Diocese of Rochester of a system of transferring problem priests from parish to parish, rather than punishing them.
The Diocese of Rochester stated that the allegation was investigated, reviewed and determined to be unsubstantiated. However, the Diocese of Rochester removed Valenti from ministry, stating that, per the Review Board, Valenti had engaged in objectionable and inappropriate behaviors with minors in the 1970s even if it was not "sexual abuse" per se.
Valenti is believed to be residing in Oswego, New York. His status as a priest is unclear.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Rochester. The Diocese of Rochester in New York filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019. Our lawyers are now offering free legal consultations to discuss a potential lawsuit and your other options as a survivor of sexual abuse by priests and other employees of the Rochester Diocese.
Very strict filing deadlines have now been set by the Bankruptcy Court. Most victims of abuse will never be able to recover damages if they miss this deadline, so please contact us to discuss your case today. Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com.