Anthony J. Lavalle Jr.

Anthony J. Lavalle Jr. Past Grand Knight of Billerica Knights of Columbus VERO BEACH, Fla. Anthony J. Lavalle Jr. went home to God and to see his beloved Ellen on, Monday October 1, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away with the assistance of hospice care at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and David Jarek, with whom he had been living. Tony was born in the Pinehurst section of Billerica, MA, on Aug. 12, 1929, son of the late Anthony J. Sr. and Elizabeth (Breslin) Lavalle. He was educated in the Billerica School system, and was a graduate of Howe High School, Class of 1947, he was proud to have recently attended his 60th class reunion in June of this year. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and was stationed in Washington D.C. He returned home to Pinehurst and became a member of Local #550, Sprinkler Fitters and Apprentices. Tony was the owner of Ace Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. in Boston, MA, until his retirement in 1988, when his children assumed the third generation ownership. On April 7, 1956, Tony married Ellen McNulty of North Billerica. They lived and raised their family in North Billerica, before retiring to Vero Beach, FL. Their move to Florida did not affect Tony's allegiance to his Boston Red Sox. Tony and Ellen were happily married for 48 years until her passing in May 2004. Tony was a Charter Member and the past Grand Knight of the Fr. Wren Council Billerica Knights of Columbus #3963; he served as Grand Knight in 1976. Some of his fondest Billerica memories were times spent with his "Brother Knights." He served as the Master of Ceremonies for various K of C functions and was most recently given this honor again at their 50th anniversary celebration. Tony was a member of the American Legion Post #113. He was a past member of Vesper Country Club in Tyngsboro, and a current member of Vero Beach Country Club. Tony was also fortuitous in friendship in Vero Beach. He enjoyed golfing in the Club leagues, the camaraderie of the "Lunch Bunch" and an occasional Euchre game with the "boys". The unending support of his many friends from Florida, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts during his illness made his pain more tolerable and his heart full. Father and father-in-law of Tony and Kerry Lavalle of Billerica, Kelly and Dave Jarek of Methuen, MA, David and Lynne Lavalle of Waxhaw, NC, and Michelle and Scott O'Neil of Merrimack, NH. We were honored to have him for a dad and father-in-law; we will miss him, always. He was a great "pup" to his grandchildren, Krys, Andrew, Danny, Michael, Kait, Alex, Jacquie, Tyler, Megan, Tristan, Kathryn, Ashlyn, Samantha, Shaelyn, Colin and Jake. Pup gave each member of our family a nickname and would think long and hard after the arrival of every grandchild before assigning them their family moniker. He is also lovingly survived by his sister, Rosalie Lambert of Centerville, MA and special nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his many exceptional friends and extended family. Mr. Lavalle was a parishioner of St. Andrew's Church in North Billerica, and a communicant of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach. Tony was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Jeanne and William Mullen and Elizabeth and Vernon Naeve. Tony's family wishes to thank the Merrimack Valley Hospice Team for their compassion and direction, they helped to make his final days peaceful and dignified. LAVALLE Of Vero Beach, FL, formerly of Billerica, Anthony J. Lavalle Jr. husband of the late Ellen (McNulty) Lavalle. A Memorial Mass will be held Monday at St. Andrews Church, Talbot Ave. North Billerica, at 11:30 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours Sunday at the, SWEENEY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 66 Concord Rd. Billerica from 2 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St. Bldg. 9 Lawrence, MA 01843 to allow this Non-Profit Organization to continue their outstanding work. Burial in Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica. Funeral Directors W. J. and Dean M. Laurendeau.