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Arthur Vallez Obituary
Arthur J. "Jerry" Vallez Naples, FL
Arthur J. "Jerry" Vallez, 87, of Naples, FL passed away quietly in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 15, 2012. The artist was born in Yonkers, NY.
Jerry relocated to France with his family during his childhood years, returning to the US when war became imminent. During WW2, he served in the US Navy in the South Pacific aboard the USS Montpelier. He attended Bradley University where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. During the years in Peoria, he met his future bride and fellow artist, Robah Wycoff.
Following college, the couple moved to Highland Park, IL where Jerry was encouraged by his wife to open his first studio. Summers were spent in Door County, WI where he also ran a gallery. The family moved to Naples in 1971. One of their first homes was a boat - a vintage 40foot Elco docked at the Cove Inn.
A prominent figure in the Naples art scene for over 40 years, Jerry operated a series of working studio/galleries in and around Crayton Cove, a fitting venue for the accomplished marine painter and licensed ship's captain. Today his paintings, portraits, murals and limited edition prints grace many private homes and public buildings and are found in collections all over the USA. Also many foreign visitors have taken home a touch of Naples in the form of a work by Vallez.
In a recent Naples Daily News interview, Jerry remarked, "When I quit painting, I'll quit being here." Truly, he never retired. Until he was sidelined by a stroke a few weeks prior to his death, he could be found painting at his studio on an almost daily basis, taking breaks to enjoy the company of friends at one of the cafés nearby.
Preceded in death by his beloved Robah (d. 2010), Jerry will be greatly missed by his daughters, Michelle Vallez of Stuttgart, Germany and Naples, and Lisa Vallez of Brooklyn, NY. He will be fondly remembered by his step-mother May, his sisters-in-law, cousins, all those who called him "Uncle Jerry," as well as by his artist colleagues and many friends.
Funeral mass will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Naples on Saturday, September 29 at 11:30 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Vallez
October 17, 2012
Hi Michelle...I am so sorry for your loss. My dad, Bob Cooksy, was saddened to hear about the death of your dad. He was a special man..that is for sure. I still reside outside of Ft. Lauderdale. As you deal with this loss, be assured that he and Robah are now together! Much Love...Heather "cooksy" Green
Deedee Jentgen
October 5, 2012
As a child my family spent summers in Naples. I have so many fond memories of those times, but Jerry and Robah are some of the best. I can remember running around the "Cove Inn", where I spent a lot of my time. I can still see Jerry standing there, by the seawall doing what he did best...painting. Robah was always close by collecting driftwood for her "Docks by Robah". I wanted to be just like them when I grew up. Oh, and how cool I thought they were to be living on a houseboat. I had a favorite frog t-shirt at the time and wore it constantly. I found out years later that Jerry asked my mom to give it to him when I outgrew it. To my surprise, Jerry made it into a pillow for me, fringe and all. I still cherish that pillow that is in my keepsake box. Jerry and Robah's art adorns some of my family members walls. Every trip to Naples I still peruse Jerry's paintings in the lobby of the "Cove Inn". Jerry was a genuine man and I am sure he and Robah are happy together once again.
My sincere condolences to all of his family. He will be sorely missed by all!
October 1, 2012
Jerry and Robah were kind and caring people. It was a real joy working with Jerry at Turner Marine for 16 years. We will miss him. We have quite a few of his paintings. Our prayers are with his loved ones.
Bonny Hawley
September 28, 2012
As a Naples Artist, Jerry was a wonderful inspiration and great teacher to me. I am honored to have known him and to have his artwork gracing the walls of my home. He was very lonely without his beloved Robah and I am so happy that they are together again.
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Marilyn & Tom
September 28, 2012
Jerry was such a gentlemen and a great lover of the sea. He was such a special artist, his work was loved by all. We know he is at peace now with Robah once again by his side. We were very blessed to have been their friends for over 20 years. We will miss him, but he will always be in our hearts.
Ursula Doerner
September 22, 2012
Condolences for his daughter for the loss. We were introduced to him this year. What an interesting man. As neighbores we felt sorry for us not having met him years before. Actually we looked forward to meet him again, after our return to Naples. What a tragedy loosing him. We loved his maritime past and stories. Ursula and Herrmann Doerner
Juanita Andrew Hord
September 20, 2012
I have my Tall Ship (San Souci). Thank you Jerry, you will truly be missed.
you will truly be missed.
Cathy Ellingen
September 20, 2012
Jerry (and Robah) were a great part of my wonderful memories of vacationing in Naples, FL from riding the dinner cruise boat he occasionally steered to attending a bloody mary mix-off at a resort south of Naples to having dinner with them on their boat to visiting both of their studios (at Tin City and Crayton Cove). They recommended a day trip to Key West, took us on fish fries with other friends and put up with a friend and I singing "moon songs" in their hot tub late one night. They were true ambassadors in Naples and I cherish all the many and wonderful memories I have of them. They will be missed beyond words!
Bruce Astbury
September 19, 2012
Many of us from the WAukegan Yacht(Il.)Club have stayed in touch with Jerry over the years. Many have his wonderfull art on our walls. We will miss meeting with him when we come down in the winter. Just a nice man, and accomplished artist.
September 19, 2012
He painted a picture of the original Franks Garage for my parents. It is beautiful and now a keepsake I possess. I will always treasure it and the other prints I have of his.
September 19, 2012
We will miss him around Crayton Cove.
Capt. Marlena Brackebusch
September 19, 2012
I met jerry when i worked at turner marine for 15 years he was a lovely man as was his wife robah. I have 5 pictures in my home one of the favorites is the ochopee post office and has a post mark on it from aug. 1989. Jerry will be missed but he is where he needs to be with his lovely bride
valerie keene hahe
Jane & Fred Alander
September 19, 2012
I too have a painting in my home, he did a complete wall for my husband and I. He also was our neighbor. He will sadly be missed.
Diane Neuman
September 19, 2012
I feel very honored to have a painting of Jerry's in my home. I will treasure it always and fondly remember my favorite Naples artist.
September 19, 2012
Another long time friend is gone from our midst but not our memories! We met after WW11 at Bradley and knew Robah as well. Her brother and my late husband ,Augie, worked for the same company . While I have seen Jerry at the 5 painters and a potter gatherings, I know he will be missed by so many. ZMay the wind be forever in your sails as you and Robah travel a new path way in heaven.
Margery Miller Bettman
Ekkehard Grampp
September 19, 2012
We learned about Jerry through his daughter Michelle and quickly realized what an icon he was in the community. We love his pictures, which so nicely descibe our little paradise. We will miss him!!
Chris and Laurie Vallez
September 19, 2012
We loved visiting Jerry and hearing him tell our family stories was priceless. We will certainly miss him. Our condolences to all.
Cindi Vallez
September 19, 2012
Dear Michelle and Lisa! Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Jim and Cindi Vallez
September 18, 2012
Mr. Vallez has been part of our extended Naples family for more than 26 years coming into our store at Koenig Art Emporium. We hope that he rests in peace with Robah at his side and that his memory lives on in the many scenic paintings as well as the stories he shared. The Walbert Family.
Tom Unsworth
September 18, 2012
Jerry was a beautiful, caring man. We met at the Cove Inn where he inspired my grand daughter with his oil paintings. They often worked side by side on Sunday mornings and they had a special bond. Jerry will be missed by all he touched while here on earth. I'm sure his memories will live on through his family and everyone he touched with his life. Our condolences to his daughters and family.
September 18, 2012
What an amazing person, talented artiste & real gentleman! Condolences from The Bailey's & Schryver Clan!
Dawn & Tyme Rogers
September 18, 2012
How we will miss Jerry at the Mon-Wed-Sat coffee klatches where he always had a great story, a funny anecdote or a witty comment to contribute (Yes, Jerry, we're off to the beach!). What an honor and pleasure it was to call him a friend. He will be deeply missed and we trust he is in God's care and with his beloved Robah.
Jon Nickerson
September 18, 2012
All of us at Collier County Museums will greatly miss Jerry. He was a talented artist, but more importantly, he was an extremely nice man. He will never be forgotten as long as painting remain.
Cindy Lafond
September 18, 2012
A wonderful friend and loved dearly, Jerry will be missed more than he could ever imagine.
Spike Sousa
September 18, 2012
Jerry has been a great inspirational friend sence 1971.He helped me into my first art gallery on 5th.Ave.so. in the early 70's..Spike Sousa
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