Valerie Barney Kinnally, of Old Tappan, died Wednesday, September 9, 2026. She was 71. Born September 17, 1954, the daughter of Melva Barney and the late Paul Barney, she was the beloved wife of Thomas J. Kinnally, whom she married on July 26, 1986, at the Copacabana in New York, and the devoted mother of Lauren Michelle Kinnally, Tracy Austin Kinnally, and Daniel Thomas Kinnally.
A graduate of New York’s High School of Art and Design and a talented painter, she left a Wall Street job to raise her family and remained a dedicated homemaker for the rest of her life. She is also survived by her mother, Melva Barney; her sisters Carolyn VanZorge, Lorl VanZorge, Marjorie Fischer, Yvonne Hodgdon, Edwyna Weiss, and Nicole Martyniv; and by Peanut, her beloved Jack Russell Terrier.
Relatives and friends may call on Monday, September 14, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 15, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 268 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, with Rev. Kevin M. Kilgore as celebrant. Entombment will follow at Ferncliff Cemetery, Rosewood Mausoleum, Hartsdale, New York.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Valerie’s name to the Frances Pope Memorial Foundation, which provides financial and emotional support to families caring for a child with cancer. Valerie was an avid supporter.
Gifts may be made online at:
Psalm 23
King James Version
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Valerie was the sweetest person with such gentle ways. Always smiling. Always kind. She will be missed in so many ways. I will miss her terribly at family gatherings. My heart goes out to Tom, Lauren, Tracey, and Danny. God bless her always.
She was the “Aunt Ginny” of our family!
So very sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family peace, comfort, and strength. ❤️