Joseph S. LaValle

Joseph S. LaValle, formerly of Wilton, and Sarasota, FL, died peacefully in his sleep following a long illness and surrounded by his family at his home in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. He was 78. Born May 29, 1933 in the Bronx, NYC, he was the only son of Dominic and Lucille LaValle. A graduate of All Hallows High School in the Bronx, he worked nights for the US Postal Service to help pay his college tuition, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Manhattan College and a Master of Business degree from Bernard Baruch College. He later served in the US Army Corps of Engineers in Europe following the Korean War. Mr. LaValle leaves behind his loving wife, Nancy, of 49 years and his four sons: Joseph and his with Cathy of Norwalk, Paul and his wife Claudia of Waterbury, Christopher and his wife Stacey of Wilton, and Michael and his wife Kelli of Hudson, Ohio. He also leaves behind four grandchildren; Joseph, Jack, Nicholas and Cassidy. Upon his return to the U.S., Mr. LaValle worked as a civil engineer, including time with the Port Authority of NYC, during which time he met Nancy Iorio, and the two wed in September, 1962. For 18 years he worked as a Manufacturer's Representative for the Flygt Corporation in Norwalk, CT and their sales affiliate, GA Fleet and Associates in Harrison, NY, earning several awards for sales excellence. In 1985, he became a principal in Fogarty and LaValle Associates in Wilton, again earning regional recognition for sales and service excellence. Mr. LaValle and his wife Nancy lived in NYC before moving to Wilton, to raise their four boys. Growing up in the shadow of Yankee Stadium, he was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants football team, and later played semi-pro football, serving as team captain with the Bronx Ravens. He was a pillar of the Wilton Community, serving as coach and president for several youth sports organizations, including the Wilton Little League, and was a member of both the WHS Booster Club and the Wilton Rotary Club. He was an early pioneer of Wilton Pop Warner football where he served as coach, board member and president of the fledgling youth football program. He earned the respect and admiration of his players and peers with his tough, no-nonsense and value-instilled method of coaching and teaching. Calling hours are on Friday, September 9 from 5 to 8 pm at the Bouton Funeral Home in Wilton. A Catholic Mass is to be held on Saturday, September 10 at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Tidewell Hospice of Florida.