John Carl Vala

John Carl Joseph Vala, born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 28, 1941, passed away on April 3, 2024, at The Gardens at La Jolla in Tucson. While attending Warrensville Heights School in the mid to late '50s, John excelled at sports, serving as both captain of the basketball and baseball teams. With his outstanding abilities as a pitcher, he was invited to try out for the Detroit Tigers. John scored well with the national team but, he elected instead to pursue a college degree - receiving a scholarship to Ohio State University. John obtained his architectural degree that provided him with an entrée into the building/renovation and management of major architectural projects. Upon his college graduation, John became a commissioned Naval Officer. He served in Vietnam, administering military construction projects out of Danang and Hue. As such, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Services Medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. Then, John served three years in Hawaii as Assistant Naval Officer in Charge of Construction, Pearl Harbor. After serving in the military, John was employed by Ramada Inns in Phoenix and administered all "Inn" construction for several years. In 1976, he joined Sundt Construction in Tucson. John worked on numerous commercial and military projects throughout the country and in Arizona, including on-site construction manager for Ventana Canyon Country Club and renovations at the University of Arizona. John retired from Sundt Construction with over 30 years' employment and was highly regarded by all who knew him. John was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather. and brother. John could often be seen walking his beloved dogs -Roxy and then Bentley daily in his neighborhood. John will forever be on our minds and always in our hearts.



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