Mr. Vincent L. LaValle

Vincent L. LaValle, 93, of Syracuse, joined his brothers, sisters and parents in heaven on Monday. He was a man who led a double life. In his career as a mechanical engineer, he was known by his colleagues as Vince. With family and friends he was affectionately called Jim. Born on April 4, 1918, he was the eldest child of Anthony and Frances LaValle, proud immigrants from Sicily, who worked hard to provide for their large family of four girls and three sons. From a young age, Jim worked in the family business, helping lay concrete and paving driveways. His true calling, however, was in his education and love of music. He studied violin very early and played for the Syracuse Symphony while studying mechanical engineering at Syracuse University. He graduated in 1943 and later that year married his best friend and true love, Rose Anne Sacco. His love and devotion for her lasted throughout their 68 years of marriage, and together they had three daughters. Jim was a multi-talented man with a brilliant mind, becoming a research scientist for NASA, where he worked for many years. He later was Chief of the Production Division for the US Air Force, where he negotiated contracts with General Electric. In addition, he returned to studying once again and became a Master Plumber and a member of the Syracuse Symphony extended orchestra, all while raising his family. He built a home with his own hands for his wife and three children, and this home was the gathering place for the family for every holiday, birthday and special event for decades. He loved fishing and hunting with his brothers. Many summers were spent night fishing and camping and being out in the woods and countryside. His favorite place was his beloved cabin that he built on Oneida Lake in Lakeport, NY. He was an example of strength and determination for his children and taught them everything from how to change the oil on their cars to how to bait a hook when fishing. He adored his grandchildren and was a big part of raising his two eldest grandsons, Stefan and Adam. He doted on them, was there for every school event and never once missed an awards ceremony, a baseball game or a concert. He was later blessed with three additional grandchildren and was thrilled to have Sam and Luke join the family. He was very excited to finally have a granddaughter when Elena was born. A man of energy and drive, Jim would help his brothers, nephews, neighbors and friends with home repairs, car repairs, or whatever needed fixing or building. A true Italian, he enjoyed making wine with his family and baking Italian bread. Later in life, Jim loved to go in search of fresh produce at the Farmer's Market and spent many happy hours with his friends at Buda's Produce. He often would come home with far too many fruits and vegetables and generously went from neighbor to neighbor sharing his purchases. He also entertained the neighborhood regularly during spring and summer days, as he practiced his violin for all to hear. Although he found it the most challenging, he loved playing Paganini concertos. Mozart and Bach were his favorite composers, and he shared his love of all types of music with everyone. An avid swimmer, Jim would rise at 5:30 am to swim at the Solvay Geddes Youth Center, where he met friends and enjoyed his swimming until the age of 90. Jim is survived by his soulmate and wife Rose Anne (Sacco), his daughters, Anne (Jakowenko), Terry LaValle, and Frances (DeLuccia), his son-in-law William, four grandsons, Stefan, Adam, Sam and Luke and one granddaughter, Elena, his sister Clara Macri and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11 am Friday with funeral services to follow at 11 am at BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Milton Ave. Burial will follow in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse. A memorial Mass will be held at a later date.

Contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.
Condolences may be offered at www.bagozzitwins.com.