Obituary of John R. Chevalier

John R. Chevalier, 62, of State Hwy 67, Ft. Johnson, NY, passed away unexpectedly Friday September 19, 2008 at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam, NY. Born in Swanton, Vermont on May 27, 1946 the only son of Charles E. and Irene Moreau Chevalier. Mr. Chevalier was a 1964 Graduate of St. Anne's Academy in Swanton, Vermont. He went on to receive his Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Vermont. He attended Naval Officer Candidate Training during the summer throughout his college career. John was a Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer licensed in several states. Throughout his career he was employed in various professional positions in his field ultimately developing his expertise in pressure vessel analysis and design. In 1990, Mr. Chevalier developed his own consulting firm, owning and operating Chevalier Engineering Consulting until present. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Chevalier enjoyed traveling with his wife, experiencing different cultures, and was an avid reader with a keen interest in amassing a wealth of knowledge. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood growing up in northern Vermont on Lake Champlain, spending time with his family and friends. He also grew up working with his parents at the family business in Swanton, VT where he developed an interest in mechanics, eventually leading to his career in mechanical engineering. He married Dolores Bergeron Chevalier on January 6, 1973. John and his wife Dolores were truly blessed to spend 35 years as soul mates and best friends. In addition to his beloved wife, survivors include several cousins. He is also survived by his father and mother in law Lawrence and Solange Bergeron of Pinellas Park, Fl. John was embraced by a large extended family that includes his brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. John is also survived by Kerry Bergeron whom he considered his surrogate son. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday September 24, 2008 at 11:00A.M. at the Church of the Nativity and Blessed Virgin Mary in Swanton, VT. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday September 23, 2008 from 4:00 to 7:00PM at the Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave, Swanton, VT. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ft. Johnson Volunteer Fire Department, 4 Fort Johnson Ave, Ft. Johnson, NY 12070 or to the Sisters of St. Joseph Carondelet, 2311 South Lindberg Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63131. Local arrangements have been entrusted to the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010.