Obituary of John E. LaVallee

John E. LaVallee, age 69, of Gloversville, died Wednesday evening, August 30, 2017 at the Nancy Dowd Hospice House, Gloversville, following a long illness. He was born June 26, 1948 in Gloversville, the son of Raymond and Helen Walker LaVallee. Employed by Prudential Insurance Company for several years, he later worked at Flex, Frontier and Fairpoint phone companies. Most recently he operated Stump City Trading Co. until his retirement in 2013. John enjoyed woodworking and hunting and was a "Jack of all Trades". He was called "MacGyver" as he could do almost anything. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Johnstown, Pine Tree Rifle Club and the NRA. He was a former Cub Scout Leader at Pack 21 Park Terrace School and archery instructor at Woodworth Lake Boy Scout Camp. Survivors include his wife of over 47 years, Joanne Sassi LaVallee; two children, Jean Etienne LaVallee (Maia) of Richmond, VA and Monique LaVallee (Will Dutcher and his children Brandon, Tiffany and Andre) of Johnstown; his mother, Helen LaVallee of Johnstown; three sisters, Diane Rudolph (Lynn) of Mayfield, Antoinette "Toni" Kearney of Troy and Robin Coalter (Robert) of Gloversville; six grandchildren, Aidan John Holmes, Keegan Michael Holmes, Preston Simons, Avery Simons, Amelia LaVallee and Jean Xavier LaVallee; a sister-in-law, Janice Sassi; as well as several nieces and nephews including special niece Rebekah Sassi (Kirk Berlenbach). He also leaves behind his dogs Beau and Daisy who he adored. John was predeceased by his father, Raymond, and nephews Todd and Darren Rudolph. The family will receive relatives and friends from 3 to 6 pm Tuesday, September 5 at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St, Gloversville, where a Memorial Service will follow at 6:00 pm with the Rev. Laurie Garramone officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville or the James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society, 437 Nine Mile Tree Road, Gloversville, NY 12078.