Willard Lee "Will; Butch" DuVal

Willard Lee DuVal, lovingly known to all as "Will" or "Butch," passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. True to his nature, Will faced his illness with bravery, grace, and even humor-doing everything the doctors recommended and never losing the light in his spirit.

Will loved people- all people. Young or old, friend or stranger, he could strike up a conversation with anyone and leave them smiling. He had a rare gift for connection, always keeping in touch and making time for those who needed a kind word or helping hand. Staying close to others was his strength, and he carried that gift throughout his life.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 24, 1942, to Genevieve Evelyn and Willard Woodrow DuVal, Will grew up surrounded by family and community. He graduated from Lancaster High School in Kilmarnock, Virginia, class of 1962, and went on to study at Rosendolf Vocational Tech in Baltimore and Hesser College in Manchester, New Hampshire. He also continued to grow his skills through courses with the Associated Builders and Contractors Association, Inc.

Will's work life was as full and varied as the man himself. A true jack-of-all-trades, he started out as a Waterman in Virginia, later building bulkheads and founding a seafood distribution company serving the Baltimore area. He also worked on the Bay Bridge as part of Local 16, then he went to work for Energy Conservation in New Hampshire. When offered a transfer to Miami, he decided his heart belonged in New Hampshire and joined Wrenn Construction as a Project Manager. Even after retirement, Will wasn't one to sit still-he started his own business, Will DuVal Construction Services LLC, before eventually settling in Vero Beach, Florida, with his beloved wife.

Will leaves behind his devoted wife of 35 years, Jeanne H. DuVal, of Vero Beach; his sister Evelyn (Greg) McMahon of Colorado; and his brother Peter Barill (Ronalda) of Maryland. He is also lovingly remembered by his children and grandchildren, who brought him endless pride and joy:
Susan Graves (Steve) – Grant (Hannah) Long and Pierson Long
Regina Sheftelman (Phillip) – Molly Cormier, Ethan Cormier, Lily Sheftelman, and Max Sheftelman
Anthony Jr. Pelchat (Eva) – Nichole Pelchat and Robert Pelchat

Will was the kind of man who made everyone feel like family. His laughter, warmth, and generosity will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date, where family and friends will gather to share stories, laughter, and love in Will's honor-just the way he would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the VNA Hospice House, 901 37th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.