On March 3, 2015, my dad (Thomas C. La Valley, Sr.) lost his fight with lymphoma. He was the best! He will be greatly missed but left us with a lifetime of wonderful memories. Love you, Dad! I am glad you are at peace.
My mom had him wear his Star Trek PJ shirt when they took him to hospice. He loved Star Trek!
PENACOOK – Thomas Charles La Valley Sr., 80, died at the CRVNA Hospice House Tuesday, March 3, 2015, after a long illness.
Tom was born on June 15, 1934, in Penacook the youngest son of John R. La Valley Sr. and Olive V. (Merchant) La Valley. Tom is survived by his loving wife of nearly 59 years, Elizabeth “Betty” (Ross) La Valley; their children, Debra La Valley of Boscawen, Mary Beth La Valley of Bedford, Jacqueline La Valley of Concord and Kenneth La Valley of Barrington and his wife, Dorothy (Horgan) La Valley; nine grandchildren, Christopher, Sara, Matthew, Michael, Joseph, Danielle, Melissa, Sydney, and Madison; two great-grandsons, Lucian and Jaxon; his brother, John R. La Valley Jr. and wife, Beatrice of Concord; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, John R. La Valley Sr. and Olive (Merchant) La Valley; his son, Thomas C. La Valley Jr.; his brothers David and Donald La Valley.
Tom was a graduate of Penacook High School, Class of 1953, and upon graduation joined the United States Air Force. He served four years and left the service with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1962 with a BA in Geology. After graduating from the University, Tom taught science at Colebrook Academy for one year, Hollis High School for three years and Bow High School for one year before becoming a math teacher at Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook, until retirement.
Tom volunteered at the Merrimack County Nursing Home, was an active member of the Penacook Seniors at the Penacook Community Center and Retired Seniors Volunteer Persons (R.S.V.P.). He also was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Parish and the Knights of Columbus in Penacook. Tom grew up an avid hunter and fisherman. He also loved camping, astronomy, mineralogy, science fiction, painting, and history. Tom was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, neighbor, friend, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Calling hours will be held Friday. March 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Wendell J. Butt Funeral Home, 42 Washington St., Penacook.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 7, at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, 9 Bonney St., Penacook.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Penacook immediately followed by a reception in the Immaculate Conception Church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CRVNA Hospice House or the Immaculate Conception Church Fuel Fund in memory of Thomas C. La Valley Sr.”
At the reception after my dad was laid to rest – we snapped a photo of all 9 grandchildren. They have never all been in the same place before.
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