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BORN
1958
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
John Valis Obituary
WORCESTER - United States Army Retired Sergeant First Class and Veterans advocate John R Valis Jr. (60) died Saturday January 12th, 2019 at UMass Hospital in Worcester. John was the son of John R. Valis Sr. and Eleanor (Benoit) Brennan.
John is survived by his mother, Eleanor (Benoit) Brennan and her husband Richard of Worcester. His wife of 24 years, Susan (Tolman) Valis and her daughter Michelle Mercier. His two sons James A Valis and his wife Lori and their daughters Elena & Jenna of Hopkinton, John R. Valis III and his wife Stephanie of Burnaby, BC. His sister Donna Valis of Worcester, his niece Andrea Harmon of Worcester, and his nephew Paul Harmon and his wife Sarah and daughter Daphne of Randolph. His sister Brenda DaSilva of Millbury, his brother Mark Valis of Charlton and their Mother Nilda Valis of Millbury. John is predeceased by his father, John R Valis Sr. of Millbury.
Born and raised in Worcester, MA, John served honorably in the United States Army earning numerous commendations during his highly decorated 24 years of service including his role as a recruiter for the Army National Guard. In addition to his military service, John was desirous to continue his education earning his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Criminal Justice from Suffield University.
John dedicated his life to his country as well as his fellow veterans. Most recently, John worked for Veterans Inc of Worcester, MA, the largest provider of support services to veterans and their families. John believed in and was passionate to help veterans rebuild their lives, end homelessness, regain self sufficiency and ultimately reconnect with their family, friends and community.
Prior to Veterans Inc., John was employed with Adams & Associates in Indiana. During his tenure and in partnership with the US Department of Labor, John worked to help young people earn their high school diploma or GED, learn a career, attend college and provide assistance in finding and keeping successful employment.
In addition to his devotion to his country, helping veterans and young students, John's pride and joy was his two granddaughters. He loved spending time with them and watching them grow.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Tuesday, January 15th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Wednesday, January 16th at the funeral home at 10 am. Burial with military honors will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's memory to Veterans Inc. at www.veteransinc.org.
To leave a condolence message for the family or a memory of John, visit
www.mercadantefuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Valis
Sponsored by Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester.
Samantha Gehbauer
February 28, 2021
He was a wonderful man. Excellent teacher, and a great leader. He will be missed.
January 21, 2019
My condolences to the family on your loss.
John Bonneville
Richard Rivera
January 19, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Patricia Flannery-Goodwin
January 18, 2019
Jimmy, Lori, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that happy memories will help comfort you during this most difficult time. Sending you lots of love and peace.
Robin Wyman
January 16, 2019
Jim, Lori, and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of your father/grandfather, and are sending our condolences. May the wonderful memories that you have of him bring you peace in the coming days. Robin and Rich Wyman
Bill & Dorene Lewis
January 16, 2019
So sorry for the loss of your father, Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and youre wonderful family.
Sincerely, Bill and Dorene.
Janesa Mero
January 16, 2019
John was a wonderful man. I worked with him at Veteran's Inc for just over 2 years. He was a key person in my life and I'm very blessed to have met him. I will miss you John, now and forever!
Saul Brightman
January 16, 2019
Jim, how saddened we were to hear of your great loss. You were always there for your father, and walked this most difficult journey by his side. Our prayers and love are with you and your family today and always.
MSG James Milkman
January 15, 2019
My sincere condolences to John's family. I worked with John for many years while in Southbridge. He always had a smile and a laugh. Although we haven't seen each other in many years I feel this loss. Until we meet again brother.
Sandy Johnson
January 15, 2019
Jim and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. Your father was an amazing man, giving so much to all of us and our Nation.
He accomplished so much more in his life than most of us ever do.
My thoughts are with you and your family,
sandy Johnson
Sharon Daigneault
January 15, 2019
Sue, Jimmy and to all of the Valis family - thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your husband, father, son and brother with many prayers that God will be with you during this time of sadness and sorrow. May He surround you with His love, comfort and peace giving you strength. Sending you lots of love and wishing you peace until time heals your hearts. Take a moment to remember not the sadness or the hard times but those happy memories you made along the way. Know that John is at peace.
Love Sharon
jeff levine
January 15, 2019
Jim, so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad
Susie and Jeremiah Pratt
January 15, 2019
Jim and Lori, our heartfelt condolences to you and your family in this time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denise Pierce
January 15, 2019
John was a wonderful, compassionate and giving man of his time and heart. He was tireless in his efforts to help veterans succeeed at any type of endeavor large or small and was truly an angel. I worked with John for 2 yrs at Veterans Inc. and he always had a smile and was like a big brother to me. Even after I left Veterans Inc. I would run into John at various events and that smile and warm heart always met me. He will truly be missed in the community and beyond. May God Bless his family and friends. My condolences to his family, friends and all that had the pleasure of connecting with him.
Janice Tynan
January 15, 2019
Jim, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your dad..my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time..he sounded like a truly wonderful man.
Frank Genova
January 15, 2019
Very sorry for your loss Jim. You and family are in our prayers.
Frank & Marie Genova
Wayne Paris
January 15, 2019
John was a good man who made a huge impact on veteran and non veteran's lives. Rest in peace brother.
Bryan Thibodeau
January 15, 2019
SFC Valis was not only my recruiter but my leader, my mentor, and most of all my great friend. He went from being my recruiter, to my boss to my peer. For years me and him were always working together until life decided it was time for John to do more by helping others across the country and my path led me away from home. Although we haven't been in contact recently he was always there when I called him. John was truly an amazing man, an outstanding soldier, and a great friend. Sue and family if you need anything please contact me.
Alan & Susan Ehrlich
January 15, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Wonderful memories help us get through these hard times. Although we did not know him, we know he raised a wonderful and successful son to carry on his good name.
Rich and Bea Michaels
January 15, 2019
Jim Our sincere condolences To you and your family
Colleen Lussier
January 14, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jay and Ricky Ball
January 14, 2019
An old Hebrew proverb: Say not in grief he is no more, but be thankful that he was.
We share your sorrow.
Victoria Taft
January 14, 2019
Thinking of you at this time. I'm sorry we did not meet your Dad. He sounds like he was a bright light to those around him.
Victoria, Rodney and Joseph
earl mclaughlin
January 14, 2019
sorry for your loss sounds like he was a great husband ,father and a real patriot. god bless you and your family
George Bailey
January 14, 2019
Jim, my condolences and prayers to you and your entire family on loss of your father.
Dottie Palladino-liberis
January 14, 2019
So sorry for your loss Jim. You and your family are in my prayers.
Dottie Palladino Liberis
Bill Ryan
January 14, 2019
To John's family and loved ones:
John and I had a great working relationship and a better friendship!
I'm so sorry for your loss!
Rest in peace, my brother!
Richard and Tammy Appleton
January 14, 2019
So sorry to to hear about John. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family
Mark Portuondo
January 14, 2019
John service to this country was truly honorable. I thank him for his service to this country!!!
Patrick Browne
January 14, 2019
John and my Dad knew each other when my Dad was in 110th Armored Div, stationed at The Armory at Veterans Inc. And I ended up being a coworker of Johns years later at the same location. He always had a great story, or funny joke. He will be sorely missed. Godspeed Mr. Valis.
Ronald Buxton
January 14, 2019
My condolences to John and, his family . I just loss my girlfriend , 6 days ago and, I know that recovery will be a long process. GOD be with you all and, I PRAY that all go's well . He is in the arms of the LORD , our most highest. Take care and , GOD BLESS ,LOVE Ron Buxton, Vets inc Newbritain.
Peggy Rondeau
January 14, 2019
Sue I am so sorry to hear about John I am in New Orleans for another week and will call you on my return Please give my condolences to the family and Once again I am so sorry John was such a great guy. He is with Ricky and all the other soldier that have gone before him.
Peggy Rondeau
January 14, 2019
Sue I am so sorry to hear about John I am in New Orleans for another week and will call you on my return Please give my condolences to the family and Once again I am so sorry John was such a great guy. He is with Ricky and all the other soldier that have gone before him.
John Monopoli
January 14, 2019
To the family of John Valis:
You have my deepest condolences. I was a co-worker and friend of John's. We shared a lot of good times together.
Kelly Sullivan
January 14, 2019
SFC Valis was my recruiter, and my first boss when I came on active duty 16 years ago. I learned a lot from him and a lot of the success I've had in my career is a reflection of the things I learned working with him. I am sorry for your loss, and hope that your memories bring you peace.
Roc Graham
January 14, 2019
You will truly be missed - I enjoyed very much having the opportunity to work with you and the Veterans Community. Rest in Peace My Good Friend
Paul Benoit Jr and family
January 14, 2019
Sorry I am unable to attend but will keep you in our prayers
Janine Shively
January 13, 2019
James, Im sorry for your loss.
Anne & David Ball
January 13, 2019
So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them.
Christol Albano
January 13, 2019
Jimmy, Lori, and the rest of the Valis family, We are so sorry for your loss. I know its hard but just know that he is at peace now. We love you!
Christol, Joe, and family.
Alley Smith-Morrissey
January 13, 2019
John was a true inspiration, mentor, and friend. He always had my back. Ill never forget that Ill never forget him. He made a difference in my life.
Charlie and Pat Sylvester
January 13, 2019
So sorry for your loss Eleanor and Donna. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sorry I can't be there as we live in Texas. Even though we are not family any more you have been on my mind my husband Charlie loss his son in 2003 it is hard to lose a child. I will be praying for you.
Judi Garvey
January 13, 2019
You will be loved and missed,rest in piece. Love you aunti judi garvey
Anthony Guzman
January 13, 2019
John was my recruiter and a friend we worked together for a short Time in the Army. I was very blessed to meet someone like him. He will be missed . Rip sfc thank you for ur service.
Patricia Roy-Berard
January 13, 2019
To Ellie and family my condolences go out to you all I am so sorry for your loss.
Ian Barnett
January 13, 2019
John helped me a lot at veterans inc. He was a great man and will be missed. RIP John.
Robert Miner
January 13, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joyce Cloutier
January 13, 2019
John was the first person I met when I was hired at veterans Inc. and he trained me for a week I stay down in Worcester Massachusetts. John was one of the nicest people I have met and was always so patient and kind with every veteran that he served. I feel so fortunate that I get to spend that one on one time with him it made me a better person and it certainly gave me a solid knowledge of my job because he was so good at his. He will be very missed for sure.
January 13, 2019
Sorry for your loss.
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Jan
15
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester370 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605
Jan
16
Funeral
10:00 a.m.
Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester370 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605
Funeral services provided by:
Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester370 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605
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