George G Lavallee

Rotterdam - George Gregory LaVallee best known as Duke, passed away on Sunday December 6, 2015. So called for his quiet demeanor, He was born to Theophile and Emma LaVallee on November 19, 1927 in Charlton, New York. Survived by two sisters Lillian Gorman and Rosemarie Youngs, and pre-deceased by five other siblings: Leo John LaVallee, Victor LaVallee, Henry LaVallee, Alma Carlone, and Emma Mac Whinnie. Duke is survived by his wife of 44 years Louise (Aldi) LaVallee, and pre-deceased by his first wife Bertha Thomas LaVallee. Father of two children, Michael (Crystal) LaVallee and Kathryn (James) Stairs, and two step children, Allen (Vickie) Myers, Tina (Robert) Martin.Loving Grandfather to Candra (Jasen) Kimball, David (Danielle "Dave's Girl") Myers, Allen (Kristie) Myers, Joelle (Beau) Burnham, and James "Bubby" Stairs. Great Grandfather to Michaela, Felicity, and Jasen. After graduating from Draper High School, Duke proudly joined the United States Navy, and served from 1946-1948 in a land based construction capacity on Okinawa. After returning home, he was employed by General Electric Company as a welder and metal worker for nearly 40 years. He was a member of the Schonowe Volunteer Fire Company for 12 years, rising to the rank of Asst Chief.He also served the youth of his community as a Boy Scout Leader. An outdoorsman, Duke loved hunting and fishing, and unlike many of his contemporaries, was often successful at it. True to his generation, he was noted for taking two deer, minutes apart, with a single shot 16ga shotgun, while family and friends in his hunting party stood by, amazed and empty handed. Duke even held the rare distinction of having finished both 1st and last when competing multiple times in the renowned Lake Nancy Fishing Invitational. Fastidious about his home and personal appearance, he was a doting husband to his wife Louise, whom he cared for until the end of his life.A kind and quiet man, he enjoyed the simple things in life, caring for his home, building bird houses, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. He was especially fond of the occasional unsolicited visit from the "Wild Hogs" of Rotterdam Junction.Characterized as an independent and stubborn Frenchman until the very end, Duke could always be counted upon to adhere to his personal motto "I didn't want to bother anyone." Rest assured Duke, you never did. He will be missed. Calling hours will be held Saturday from 10 a.m -12 noon at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12 noon. Burial with military honors will follow at Schenectady Memorial Park.