Richard B. LAVALLEE

OCALA - Richard B. LaVallee, 98, a gas company serviceman, died Friday, April 29, 2005, at Munroe Regional Medical Center.A native of Swanton, Vt., he moved here from Monson, Mass., in 1977. He was a member of Our Lady of the Springs Catholic Church and the Senior Strikers Bowling League in Ocala. He served in the Civil Air Patrol during World War II.Survivors include his wife, Doris M. LaVallee, Ocala; daughters, Arlene Desrosiers and Linda Smith, both of Ocala, Joan Meyrick, Belleview, Mary L. Anderson, Meriden, Conn.; brother, Raymond LaVallee, Holiday; sister, Violet Trerice, Venice; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great great-grandchildren.Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Marion County. Roberts Funeral Home, Ocala, provided information. ---OCALA, FL - Richard B. LaVallee peacefully entered into eternal life Friday, April 29 surrounded by his loving family. He passed away following a very brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Doris Trerice LaVallee. Mr. LaVallee was born Sept. 25, 1906 in Swanton, VT, and was the son of the late Alfred and Amelia Hope LaVallee. Following retirement, he had relocated to Ocala, Florida where he and his wife enjoyed their retirement years, surrounded by friends and family. Prior to his retirement, Mr. LaVallee spent much of his life in Monson, MA, where he and his wife raised four daughters. He was employed by the Bay State Gas Company until his retirement in 1971. During World War II Mr. LaVallee served as a Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol. Throughout his 98 years, Mr. LaVallee embraced life with a vigor and enthusiasm that enriched the lives of his family and friends. His interests were wide, but were always centered on his family and his love of God. He loved the outdoors and shared his knowledge of gardening and nature with his children and grandchildren. He loved to travel, and had a keen interest in the world around him. Mr. LaVallee loved playing games with family and friends, and his sense of humor and quick wit enlivened many a card game. His ability to tell a good story will be missed by all who knew him. Throughout his life Mr. LaVallee offered a helping hand to those in need. He loved people, and all whose lives he touched loved him. Mr. LaVallee is also survived by his four daughters and their husbands, Arlene and George Desrosiers, Joan and Howard Meyrick, Linda and Edward (Gig) Smith, all of Florida, and Mary Louise and Glenn Anderson of Connecticut; one sister, Violet Trerice and her husband Richard and one brother, Raymond LaVallee and his wife Marge. Mr.LaVallee is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Beside his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Gerald, Edward and Leonard LaVallee, two sisters, Loretta Trerice and Lorraine (Kitty) Zaluki Regan and one great grandchild, Anthony Cardano. A memorial service, celebrating the life of Mr. LaVallee, will be held Saturday, May 14 at Our Lady of the Springs Church in Ocala, FL. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to your local hospice. Published in The Republican on 5/4/2005.