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Thomas La Valley Obituary
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas La Valley
Elena Robbins
February 27, 2023
I think of Tom often, he loved his Betty and his family. His daughter Debbie keeps me up to date on family , and young Ken does the same. You earned your rest Tom.
Laura LaValley
February 27, 2019
It seems like just yesterday, and like so long ago too. We miss you Uncle Tom.
Sarah Austin/Lake
March 19, 2015
So sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. LaValley as a kind and gentle teacher.
Cindy Cate
March 19, 2015
Debbie and Family, So sorry for the loss of your dad, he was a very nice man. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. With Deepest Sympathy, Cindy
George McNeff
March 18, 2015
Betty and family, I am so sorry to hear that Tom has past on. I remember him as a man who did a lot for our parish at Immaculate Conception. May God Bless you all
Robin Lanoix/Jewett
March 18, 2015
May the memories help comfort you all in the days ahead. Tom LaValley was one of those dedicated teachers who sincerely cared about his students. Also a sincere man who raised a family with values. Celebrate the life he lived......
Donna Trombley
March 10, 2015
Betty, Debbie, MaryBeth, Jackie and Ken
Sorry to learn of Tom's passing. Both Frank and I had him as a math teacher at MVHS. But really enjoyed visiting with him later on in life. Take care and know our thoughts are with you. Donna and Frank Trombley
Karen Lang
March 10, 2015
Dear Betty and family,
what a privilege to have known and cared for Tom; what a wonderful picture of him when he was healthier. you will all be in my prayers and thoughts. Friends and former co-workers have written such beautiful tributes to the man Tom was.
Debbie Sherman-Battye
March 9, 2015
Mr. Lavalley was a very nice man and an awesome teacher. I would not have passed algebra had it not been for his help and patience to teach me. Any student he had in his class was very lucky to have him. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire family for the loss of a wonderful man.
March 8, 2015
80th Birthday Party 2014
March 8, 2015
Denise Barrett Swett
March 7, 2015
Betty, Deb, Ken, and LaValley Family. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sara McNeil
March 7, 2015
Betty and family,
I am saddened by this news. Tom was such an asset to the Department at MVHS and always so dedicated to his job. My thoughts are with all of you at this time.
Gina Marcotte & Family
March 7, 2015
Sending thoughts and prayers to the family of Thomas Charles La Valley Sr.
Kathie Jillson Goodwin
March 7, 2015
Dearest Betty It was such a pleasure to know Tom. How delightful to meet you both and visit with you, while you were volunteering at Merrimack County Nursing Home, as well as seeing you at Mary Jane and Bob's house over the years. May GOD bless you and your family. With sincerest sympathies.
Christina Hatch Marden
March 6, 2015
Debra and family,
So sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was an amazing man. My condolences.
Sally O
March 6, 2015
Debbie
You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers. May you find comfort in each other an all the loving memories. God Bless you all.
Marsha Lawless
March 6, 2015
Aunt Betty and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Marsha (Bailey) Lawless
Linda Tellia
March 6, 2015
Betty and Family,
I so enjoyed our talks at the senior lunch and the fun we had at Harts Turkey for lunch with you & Tom. He was a very nice person and always smiled. He was also a very good teacher @ Merrimack valley High School. He will be surely missed. I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless you and your family.
marylin & dewitt davis
March 6, 2015
Dear Betty, Deb, Marybeth, Jackie, and Ken,
DeWitt and I are physically unable to attend at this time, but we want you all to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Tom was a joy to know.
Debbie La Valley
March 6, 2015
You were the best dad ever! Thanks for the lifetime of love and support and for all the memories that I will cherish. Love you, Dad! Debbie
March 6, 2015
I appreciate Mr. Lavalley a lot. He was so nice and a great teacher.
Lynn Haskell
March 5, 2015
Sorry for your loss. He was one of my favorite teachers @ MVHS. My thoughts are with his family.
Bill Smith
March 5, 2015
Debbie and family. So sorry to hear about your loss
Beth Roy
March 5, 2015
Betty so sorry to hear about Mr. LaValley, he was a great teacher. My thoughtsand prayers are with you
Allen Smith Jr.
March 5, 2015
We love you Aunt Betty!! We'll be here for you :) love Mr. & Mrs Allen Smith Jr.
Laura LaValley
March 5, 2015
Uncle Tom, you will be missed and will always be remembered. Aunt Betty, Debbie, Mary Beth, Jackie, Ken and all the grandchildren... I am so sorry for your loss. I hope your memories bring you everlasting joy and comfort.
Lory Grimes
March 5, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. LaValley's passing and I send most sincere condolences to Mrs. LaValley, Debra, Mary Beth, Jacqueline, Kenneth, and all of your families. I have fond memories of Mr. LaValley pointing out the constellations in the summer sky. He has always been the teacher who made the biggest difference in my life by helping me to understand that I could believe in myself. May God blood you with his peace during this time. With love, Lory
Amy Jenks
March 5, 2015
Mrs. LaValley, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of your family. Your husband was a wonderful Math teacher and a great role model. Amy Kenney Jenks MVHS Class of 85
mark LaRoche
March 5, 2015
He was one of my math teachers at MVHS....The the entire LaValley family I am sorry for your loss.
dick & julie levesque
March 5, 2015
sorry for your loss betty. wish julie and i could attend but we live in fl.
Linda Ross
March 5, 2015
Aunt Betty and Family: Please accept our deepest sympathies on your loss. Uncle Tom was a great man and we know he will be deeply missed by all of us. Rob and Linda
Bobbie Young
March 5, 2015
Mrs LaValley, Debbie & Family,
Mr. LaValley was a wonderful teacher and a great man. I hope that all your good memories of him help guide you through this difficult time. God Bless.
Bobbie Ann
Faith Stevens
March 5, 2015
Debbie and family. I'm saddened to hear of your Father's death. May he now be at peace and free of pain. Faith
Dianne Blodgett
March 5, 2015
Tim and I share the many wishes of peace and condolence for the family. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Melissa Bachelder
March 5, 2015
Mrs. Lavalley,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Lavalley was a great man, and a good teacher. He will surely be missed by all who knew him.
Michelle Barrett
March 5, 2015
My heart is filled with love for all of you. Tom was a wonderful man and he will be missed by all of us who knew him. My sympathy and prayers are with all of you. Sending you prayers for healing and strength. I am glad you have each other. Scott and I are thinking of you.
Tom and Betty "Wedding Day"
Ken La Valley
March 5, 2015
Tom and Betty "Valentine's"
Ken La Valley
March 5, 2015
March 5, 2015
Dear Aunt Betty, Debbie, Jackie, Mary Beth and Ken- many prayers coming your way-- Uncle Tom was a very kind man who lived a good life-- he was lucky to be surrounded by such a loving family. He will be missed, Kathy and Doug Olson
March 5, 2015
My Father was truly an amazing man who enjoyed life and loved family and friends. Ken
Helene Watts
March 5, 2015
My prayers are with you all. I am so glad that I got to see Tom and Betty this summer. Blessings to the family.
Brenda Nelson
March 5, 2015
Debbie, Rick and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. We know how close you are to your parents and hope that you, your Mom, and family can find comfort and healing in the great memories you have. Your UNH Buddy Brenda.
Helen Steenbeke
March 5, 2015
So sorry to hear of Toms passing thoughts and prayers are with you Betty and your family at these sad times. Helen Steenbeke
James LaValley
March 5, 2015
I miss you Uncle Tom. Thank you for being such a great role model and friend. I so enjoyed watching the Boston Bruins with you when I was little. Thank you for so many memories.
bill stefanides
March 5, 2015
A great friend and neighbor we will miss . But I have to make a comment of the definition of family has always been when we look at the lavalley house behind us . Heartwarming and solid . Our sympathies to the entire family . Bill and Ellen stefanides . may his memory be eternal
Debra Beaupre
March 5, 2015
Thank you for being a part of my life and my sons'
I'll hold my memories to heart and look forward to seeing you again one day, Dad.
Diane LaValley Leroux
March 5, 2015
I will miss you Uncle Tom. I will always remember you. My memories of you are all happy ones, our family now has another angel watching over us.
Elena Robbins
March 5, 2015
To Betty and all the LaValley's, We are so sorry Tom left us so soon. He always greeted us with a great and welcoming smile. It's hard to come to grips that he is no longer with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Much love, Elena and Janet.
Richard LaValley
March 5, 2015
Love you, Uncle Tom.
Robert Holmes
March 5, 2015
We share your sorrow and prayers go out to your family
Patricia Stewartson
March 4, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debra Beaupre
March 4, 2015
It was an honor being your first daughter.in.law. Tom Sr. was the best and only father.in.law I ever had, even as of late on his grandson Michael's 6.6.14 wedding. The Kindest, most caring, thoughtful, talented, wisest man I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Thank you for being a great Grandpa to my 2 sons. I will miss you so much.
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