O.S.B. Rt. Rev. Melvin Valvano
, New Jersey
Rt. Rev. Melvin J. Valvano O.S.B. 56 Abbot Emeritus and a monk of Newark Abbey passed away peacefully on June 28.2026. Abbot Melvin made history as both the youngest and longestserving abbot of Newark Abbey. His leadership during a critical period along with his enduring influence as a teacher and spiritual guide shaped generations within the Abbey and the St. Benedicts Preparatory School community. Upon the resignation of his predecessor he was elected at the age of 35 as the second Abbot of Newark Abbey on September 8 1973. At just 35 years old Fr. Melvin was the youngest abbot in the history of the monastery and the AmericanCassinese Congregation of Benedictines. Reelected continuously throughout his tenure as Abbot Abbot Melvin served the community for nearly 49 years until his retirement in 2022 making him the longestserving abbot in the history of the Congregation. In service to the wider Church…