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Ronald Valmassy Obituary
July 8, 1947- March 31, 2021
Ronald Louis Valmassy passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. He endured a courageous 15-month battle with lung cancer, and faced every challenge with his usual strength and determination.
Ron's family was the center of his life. He was extremely loyal and would drop everything for those he cared about. He was a devoted husband to Helen (Paxinos) Valmassy for 46 years, a proud father to Paul Valmassy, and an adoring Nonno to Magnolia (Maggie) Jean Valmassy. He is now reunited with his parents, Gloria (Menconi) Valmassy and Louis Valmassy.
Born in San Francisco, Ron grew up in the Potrero and West Portal neighborhoods. He was a graduate of St. Ignatius College Preparatory, the University of San Francisco, and the California College of Podiatric Medicine.
Ron touched the lives of countless people, both as a teacher and as a podiatrist. He was blessed with the rare gift of loving his work. He began his career as a Professor and Chairman of the Department of Podiatric Biomechanics at the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco. When he looked back at his working life, Ron often said that he missed teaching the most. He also enjoyed lecturing frequently throughout the United States and abroad.
For 25 years, Ron was in private practice at 450 Sutter Street in San Francisco. He later became a Staff Podiatrist at the Center for Sports Medicine at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco. His patients appreciated the personal interest he took with them and his deep dedication to their well-being. One patient wrote, "You are such a blessing, and I am grateful for treasured memories of being under your awesome care." Ron will be truly missed by all who knew him.
In the middle of his busy career, Ron found the time to compile a comprehensive reference book entitled Clinical Biomechanics of the Lower Extremities. It was authored by him and a team of expert contributing authors. Published in 1996, the book detailed virtually every facet of biomechanics relating to foot care. It influenced the treatment of the foot through biomechanics for over 20 years.
In his free time, Ron loved being with his family, working on his cars, and traveling. He met Helen on a ski trip to Squaw Valley while in college. Annual family ski trips to Lake Tahoe became a Valmassy family tradition. He and his son, Paul, went to Wrestlemania nearly every year. He also enjoyed taking his granddaughter, Maggie, to Disneyland.
Ron rarely missed any gigs that Paul's band played in the Bay Area because he was the biggest fan of The Fog City Swampers. He was also a lifelong SF Giants fan and was thrilled to see them win three World Series titles. In the past year, Ron rekindled his childhood love of model trains. He spent countless hours building a very detailed and realistic train layout.
Ron and Helen traveled to many places throughout the world, but his favorite destination was Italy. He spoke fluent Italian, so he especially enjoyed visiting his father's family in the Dolomites and his mother's relatives in Tuscany.
Gone but never forgotten, Ron will live forever in the minds and hearts of all who loved him.
Due to Covid restrictions, a private funeral service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery. A future celebration of Ron's life will be planned when restrictions are lifted and we are able to gather together.
Donations in Ron's memory may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor St. Anne's Home, 300 Lake St., San Francisco, CA 94118. You are also welcome to make a donation to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Valmassy
Ezra Mersey
August 24, 2024
I just read about Ron Val Massey passing. My feet hurt __ and the first and only thought is call RVM.
"Piedi" ! I miss him; he was friendly, he liked his work, and he was good at it. What else to ask for in an MD , yet it is so rare. Condolences belated to the family.
Katherine Frazer
June 11, 2024
I was shocked to hear that Dr. Valmassey died about a year after our last appointment. He was the kindest doctor at the St. Francis Hospital Sports Med. clinic. I was there since 1982 when I was a the first American to make it to a European first division in soccer, male or female. I played near Stockholm, for a club named SKA IK until I tore my knee. Later I needed a foot doc and Dr. Valmassey, who I requested from watching him and how much he was respected and gave respect in return. Just passing him in the hall, he was a friendly guy. I´m sort of eccentric, so I appreciate that. He never discriminated against me, nor called me crazy!
I already missed him because I had to leave the sports medicine clinic, but I now have a new podiatrist who informed me of his passing. Late condolences to his family who were blessed to have him.
Roberta Grubman
March 26, 2024
Dr. Valmassey was my doctor for many years, and he eventually worked with my daughter too. She was in her teens, and he was enormously informative, kind, and patient with her. We were both so sad to hear of his passing a few years ago, we still miss him so much. Lives touch, and we are very grateful he touched ours.
Judy Everett
January 19, 2024
He was the best doctor ever!
Don´t live in SF anymore so didn´t know about his passing!
Was going to contact him for his advice and found his obituary! Think ill cry all day Judy Everett
Sharon Pretti
January 1, 2024
I just learned of Dr. Valmassy's passing. My deepest sympathies to his family. He was my first and best podiatrist. I've rarely met a doctor in any field with Dr. Valmassy's kindness, patience, expertise, and a true ability to listen to his patients. He helped me again 10 years ago and his love for his work was as vital as when I first met him. I'm sure he is missed by many.
Raúl MONJARÁS
June 18, 2023
Muy buen maestro.
Descanse en paz
Gracias por tus enseñanzas solo así pudimos iniciar la carrera en México
Andrea
March 5, 2023
About 40 years ago, I came out to SF from NYC to live for a year and worked as Ron's departmental administrative assistant at CCPM while he was chair. He was the sweetest, most decent, gentle and kind man I ever met. A pleasure to work with, a pleasure as a human being. My condolences to his family - how blessed you were to be around him for so many years!
Ruby Ang
September 24, 2022
My deepest condolences and sympathies. I was one of his patients whom he always cared for. I will be missing him. Ruby Ang.
Addie Shevlin
September 17, 2022
I just read this and am so sorry to hear this. Ron was a treasure, a doctor with a heart. I loved him. He´s up there with the angels..., for sure.
Christine Mattsson
August 4, 2022
I adored Ron as my podiatrist. He was the first person to take care of my feet and I found him again about 10 years ago when I needed care. Funny, caring and always taking time to make sure he understood what was going on for me. I referred several people to him they also liked him very much.
Jay Gupta
July 18, 2022
I am very saddened to learn of Dr. Valmassy's passing. He was a uniquely caring and personable professional. He made my orthotics and fixed my foot problems around 15 years ago, and when I brought my daughter in a decade or so later, he humorously squinted at me and said, "Is that you?" I often told people how he fixed lifelong foot pain for me, and I'd say, "He wrote the book", because he actually did! He is missed.
Maggie Cooke
July 10, 2022
I only just found out today that Dr. Valmassy had passed. He took over my husband´s care from Dr. White over 30 years ago at 450 Sutter; he cared for me, and ultimately our daughter and son. I have never met such a caring doctor who clearly loved his work. We will always remember him as a healer who painlessly took away our pain when we needed it. I will never forget our tiny daughter in her fleece jammies (because St. Francis didn´t have baby surgical gowns) having Dr. Valmassy surgically put an end to her repeated ingrown toenails. He later relieved my husband of the same ailment. He was a very special man and he will be sorely missed.
Julie Stanford
February 15, 2022
I just read about Dr. Valmassy's passing and I wanted to share what a difference he made in my life. I was a patient of his for many years at St. Francis where he made my orthotics, adjusted them every few years, and took care of my messed up feet with as much care as I would expect from a parent. When I met with Dr. Valmassey he always took the time to really listen to me and give his advice and treatment recommendations not just from a clinical perspective but from the heart based on what he understood about my lifestyle. Because of Dr. Valmassey I have been able to go backpacking, hiking and all those other things you do with your feet that others told me I would always be in too much pain to do regularly. I was was so sad when I heard he retired and am devastated now that I've heard that he died. I would love to attend a memorial service if you decide to have one to pay my requests to one of the greatest medical professionals and truly lovely human beings I have ever met.
John Angeli, cousin
December 21, 2021
Helen, Paul and family-So sorry for your loss. Just read about his passing in the USF magazine. My fondest memory of cousin Ronnie was when he came to my house to build a tunnel layout for my model train set. His creativity at a young age proved that he had the ability to work hard to succeed in life. He will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.
Mandy Singh
October 5, 2021
Deeply saddened to hear about Dr. Valmassey´s passing away. What a tremendous loss...he was not only the best podiatrist but also kind, warm and so friendly always! We were truly blessed to have met him and will remain forever grateful and indebted to him for healing us. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace.
Michael Johnson DPM
October 5, 2021
One of Ron's patients found his way into my office today because of Ron's passing. What an incredible person he was. He taught me biomechanics, hired me to work on projects around his house while I went to school and mentored me when I was first starting in practice in 1990. I remember how happy he was when he bought his beloved black Porsche! On my first ride in his new car, the look of pride he had on his face was undeniable. He was also a true family man and spoke of Helen and Paul regularly with great enthusiasm. When he would refer a patient of his to me that was moving to Sonoma county, I always enjoyed the personal call that came with the referral.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Please accept my most sincere condolences Helen and Paul.
Dana Kurtz
September 11, 2021
I am so saddened to learn of Dr. Valmassey's passing. I became his patient after suffering a stroke at age 41 and he helped get me back on my feet and kept me there. He was kind, caring, and enthusiastic about life. I was so lucky to have known him. My condolences to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing.
Rafael Weinstein
May 25, 2021
I am deeply saddened to lean of Dr Valmassy’s passing. As a patient of maybe 15 years, every injury or running problem was an odd mix of frustration with my feet but joy at getting to see him. I’ll remember his kindness, warmth and demeanor that made even going for an MRI not seem so bad. He was a rare kind of practitioner who instantly made me feel like I was in good hands. The world needs so many more men like him. May his memory be a blessing to his family and all those who knew him.
Linda S Gordon
April 29, 2021
I found out today at the Sports Medicine Clinic that my favorite doctor passed away - Dr. Valmassy was the pinnacle of kindness. I always knew I could count on him - he would kid me when I came into the clinic with a new foot issue which actually made me feel better, I was in the best of care. I am saddened to know I will not see his smile or hear a travel story from him again. My deepest sincerest condolences to Dr. Valmassy's family, friends and coworkers. There will never be another Dr. Valmassy, ever. Rest in Peace. Linda S Gordon
Riki Rafner
April 19, 2021
I was so shocked and sad to hear that Dr. Val Massy had passed. He was by far one of my favorite medical advisors. He was knowledgeable, kind, patient, warm and friendly. As they call it, he had one of the best bedside manners of any doctors from whom I have sought care. He will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family and to all of us who appreciated his kindness, warmth and wisdom.
Hugs to all,
Riki Rafner
Riki Rafner
April 19, 2021
I was shocked and astonished to hear from Dr. Katherin Chou, that Dr. Val Massy had passed. I still can't believe it. He always spoke of his mother and family with such warmth. He was one of the best Doctors I have ever known in my life. He was kind, thoughtful, patient, knowledgeable , and had the best bedside manner of any of the doctors from whom I sought care. I am so sad. Condolences to all of us who appreciated him, his time, wisdom and skill.
He is not replaceable.
the truth.
Riki Rafner
He will be sorely missed.
Hugs to all,
A huge fan of Dr. Valmassy
Riki Rafner
Nancy
April 17, 2021
I am so sorry to hear that my dad's beloved colleague and friend, my doctor, and always smiling face, anytime I visited the Center for Sports Medicine passed away. I always loved seeing his happy face and getting a warm hug at the "Office Christmas Party" for what seemed like most of the years my parents hosted it. He was one of the sweetest men I'll ever be blessed to know, and there'll definitely be a "missing piece" the next time I stop in to the offices where he worked. I send love and prayers to sweet Helen and all of Ron's family from my dad and I.
With Love, Nancy Garrick
Susan Woolley
April 15, 2021
What a wonderful man! I am so heart broken to hear of his passing. I referred anyone who had lower leg or foot problems his way because I knew he the smartest and kindest doctor one could have. There won’t be another like him. Rest In Peace.
Linda Zimmerman
April 11, 2021
My heart is saddened ; Dr. V took over my complicated foot/orthotic care and kept me walking when I felt hopeless. So caring and supportive with a warmth that was palpable. Our paths crossed incidentally when I was on a cruise to Mexico with my Mom; he and his wife offered to drive us around Catalina Island in a golf cart and really made our day and a special memory of his kindness. I've thought of Dr. V often this past year , always hoping for the best. My sincere condolences to Dr. V's family and the many friends and patients that are missing him.
Sophie
April 11, 2021
I was a patient of Dr. Valmassy’s for 22 years - age 13 till 35 (present) - and as someone with chronic pain and injuries who sees so many sports medicine specialists, I never received more thoughtful care than from Dr. Valmassy. From identifying that flat feet were the core of so many of my issues, refusing to perform surgery on my bone spurs “ because I wouldn’t do it on my own child if they had this condition”, making me my first pair of orthotics, using the tiniest and conservative amount of cortisone for injections, and literally teaching me how to lace and tie my shoes for maximum support - he was an all around incredible healer and will be missed tremendously by myself and I am sure all of his patients. Sending love and healing to his family!
Charlotte & Jerry Hyman
April 11, 2021
Dr. Valmassey has been our podiatrist for many, many years and we had a lovely friendship. He will be missed very much. May he Rest In Peace and May his memory always be a blessing. Our sincere condolences to his family.
Helene Dorian
April 11, 2021
Dr. Valmassy has been my podiatrist since he was starting his career. I was a patient of Dr. Bianchi who was mentoring Dr. Valmassy at 450 Sutter. Dr. Bianchi’s sudden passing brought me to Dr. Valmassy as his patient. Aside from his being a wonderful doctor he was so personable and kind. Nowadays I would see him around twice each year and our conversation would pick up right where we left it. He was my favorite doctor. My condolences to his family. He will be missed more than words can say.
Saandra Nazzal
April 9, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I was a patient of his for many years and so were my, now grown, children. I recently went to another podiatrist and said to her, I had the best foot doctor in the world but he retired. I said his name and she told me that he had been one of her teachers. What a lovely lovely man. He often talked to me about his son and his band. I guess I need to go to one of his gigs so I can stay connected to the Doc.
Terri Schenk
April 9, 2021
Dear Mrs. Valmassey & Family,
I had the honor of being a patient of your Dr. Ron for many years. He was truly a very wonderful person, physician and friend. Even after we moved to the East Bay I continued to see him for my medical issues. He always had such a wonderful way about himself and very upbeat. We share a mutual friend Dr. Garrick whom I have know for close to 35 years.
May all his wonderful memories continue to live on. Dr. Ron will never be forgotten. He truly was one of a kind.
God Bless,
Terri Schenk-MCDonald
I will certainly do a donation to the Little sisters of the poor as my beloved mother used to volunteer for them it has special meaning for my family as well.
Terri
April 9, 2021
Dear Mrs. Valmassey & Family,
I had the honor of being a patient of your Dr. Ron for many years. He was truly a very wonderful person, physician and friend. Even after we moved to the East Bay I continued to see him for my medical issues. He always had such a wonderful way about himself and very upbeat. We share a mutual friend Dr. Garrick whom I have know for close to 35 years.
May all his wonderful memories continue to live on. Dr. Ron will never be forgotten. He truly was one of a kind.
God Bless,
Terri Schenk-MCDonald
I will certainly do a donation to the Little sisters of the poor as my beloved mother used to volunteer for them it has special meaning for my family as well.
Ralph Jacobson
April 8, 2021
He was my favorite doctor. I always looked forward to seeing him. I was sad to learn that he had passed on. May his memory be a blessing.
Richard Schiller
April 8, 2021
I worked with Ron for many years at CCPM and it was always a pleasure to be in his presence. He treated all patients, staff and clinicians in a warm and compassionate manner. My heart goes out to his family and I too will miss Ron and all that he brought to all the people that he spent time with.
Sincerely,
Rich Schiller
Marian Baldauf
April 7, 2021
Dr. Valmassy was one of my favorite doctors- so kind, funny and warm- I alway enjoyed my appointments with him- you just knew he was a great person. I’m sorry for your loss- he was a gem.
Kostas, Thespina and George Paxinos
April 7, 2021
The most kind and gentile person we ever met.
Sally M Pasternack
April 7, 2021
So sad to read that Dr. Valmassy has passed. He was the podiatrist for our two children, recommended to us by their pediatrician, Lee Smith, MD. Dr. Valmassy provided inserts for both girls from a very early age to protect their feet. He was terrific with young children and they were very comfortable with him while under his care.
I am so sorry to read that he has been taken from his family at such an early age. I hope that the memories you have from the wonderful times you shared will sustain you at this difficult time.
Notty Bumbo
April 7, 2021
Ron was and remains one of the most important mentors of my life. His hiring me to run the MO Lab at the College back in the 1980s marked a major turning point in my life. He treated me with the same respect he showed to everyone, and urged me to learn as much as I could about biomechanics. We eventually shared a love for good single malt scotch, and he recruited me to write two of the chapters in the Biomechanics text book he edited, an honor I feel proudest of to this day.
I could speak long and loud of his influences on my life, but will simply say I am going to miss him, a lot. He was more than anything else a good man.
My deepest condolences to Helen and Paul, and I hope I have an opportunity to see them someday to tell them in person how much I will always admire Ron.
Arnie Davis, C.Ped.
April 7, 2021
As a practicing pedorthist, I would often be asked by a client for a recommendation to a podiatrist. Invariably, I would refer to Ron. It was not just for his exceptional expertise, but it was for his gentle and caring manner. Also, the people he sent to me always raved about those same qualities. In the 70's, as a resident shoemaker at CCPM, he was my teacher of biomechanics, and I continued to consult with him over the years when I was uncertain about a solution for an individual. I once had the honor of making shoes for his mom, Gloria.
I offer my deepest condolences to his family for their loss; and to the many thousands of people whom he has made a positive impact to their lives, he will be sadly missed.
Peter Nijessen
April 7, 2021
I remember the family dinners with Ron and the family. I have always enjoyed them very much. What a special time that was. I miss these days. I wish I would have been able to talk to him before he passed. He is gone now, but I will tell you, never forgotten, Ron will live forever in my mind and heart and of all who loved him.
Gary Schoofs
April 7, 2021
I peruse the SF Chronicle obituary pages everyday 'cause I'm of that age now where friends or past associates of mine could have their lives summarized. The faces in the obits are usually unfamiliar to me. But certain bios are fascinating- the person may have had a rich, interesting Life. There are rare days when I'm shocked to see someone I know.
Today I did a double take and saw my podiatrist on the page. Now you might not take much note of your doctor's passing. However Ron Valmassy was an exemplary doctor and a personable man. I saw Ron many times at the St Francis Center for Sports Medicine. Fitted for custom orthotics, had plantar fasciitis several times, and had a lower leg injury which plagued me for months that he troubleshot and eventually cleared up with a steroid injection. He had an easy going, comfortable demeanor - never condescending, always had time to answer a question or give an explanation. If I needed a modification to an orthotic, he didn't send it out., He did it right at the hospital while I waited. He was an SF native, like me, Went to SI and USF. We talked about the City and growing up there. He used to live in Potrero Hill where I live now. He made the effort to treat me medically AND engage in friendly banter.
Ron was a special physician and a great guy. In the dictionary under "bedside manner", it says "see Ron Valmassy"
Shawn Singleton
April 7, 2021
Dr Valmassy was a neighbor, a friend, and a mentor as a physician. He was a true gentleman. When I was younger and babysitting Paul, he & Helen always asked about me, my siblings, what was going on.
I always appreciated that. I will remember him fondly.
Paul & Helen my deepest and most sincere condolences.
Debra Jones
April 7, 2021
First, sending many Prayers and Condolences to the Valmassy Family. I first met Dr. V (that was my name for him) at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, The Center for Sports Medicine over 20 years ago. Upon first impression, Dr. V was welcoming. Through out the years our relationship grew and Dr. V became my Buddy!! He was caring not only towards patients but towards the staff and my Family. Me and my Family will also remember Dr. V for his kind, gentle and caring heart. We are deeply saddened by his passing.
Leland Radcliff Smith
April 6, 2021
Our sincere condolences to his family.He was an outstanding Podiatrist< and represented himself in a professional manner.He will be truly
missed by all. He is now in a safe place.
Godbless, Leland Radcliff Smith DPM.
Natasha Kovilaritch
April 6, 2021
Valmassy Family:
I am deeply saddened to hear the news of your loss.
I had the pleasure of working at Sports Medicine with Dr. Valmassy for 7 years. I always admired his kindness, patience and thoughtfulness for anyone that he came in contact with. He was very dedicated to his patients and many times would come in early or stay late to see them. As I reflect on him over 10 years later, I can still clearly remember his pride and joy that he held for his family. He always had wonderful stories to share.
May fond memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. I hope your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
Natasha Kovilaritch
Kathryn Acevedo
April 6, 2021
Ron, was my family’s trusted doctor and friend for 40+ years. We thank you for your service, we hold you in the highest regard as we are sure your colleagues and staff do too. You took genuine interest in your patients by listening intently to their concerns and providing words of encouragement for treatment and life. I enjoyed our appointments because I knew I was learning from the best appreciated his sense of humor and zest for life.
May your family and friends find solace in their shared memories. Rest In Peace.
Kathryn Acevedo
~On behalf of the Acevedo and Soong Families~
Kathryn Acevedo
April 6, 2021
Ron, you were my family’s trusted doctor and friend for 40+ years. We thank you for your service as we hold you in the highest regard as I am sure your colleagues and staff do too. You took genuine interest in your patients by listening intently to their concerns and providing words of encouragement for treatment a and life. I enjoyed our appointments because I knew I was learning from the best and your sense of humor was always a welcome bonus.
May your family and friends find solace in their shared memories of your life and legacy. Rest in eternal peace.
Kathryn Acevedo
(Acevedo & Soong Families)
Sylvia Mollick
April 5, 2021
I still wear the orthotics I got from Dr. Valmassy about thirty years ago. He was a very knowledgeable doctor as well as a kind and caring clinician. My condolences to his friends and family.
Peter Lynch
April 5, 2021
A sweetheart of a guy and good friend. Great memories.
Jacques Verdier
April 5, 2021
Goodby Ron
My deepest sympathies to your loved ones.
Edward McMahon
April 5, 2021
Darn good caring and compassionate doctor. A nicer guy! Always connected with him on our SI backgrounds. Sorry for your loss.
As an Ignatian would say AMDG.
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