Michael E Lavallee

Michael E. LaVallee Rotterdam Junction – Michael E. LaVallee also known as Mike, Dad, Papa and Mungie passed away on Sunday, July 16th, 2017. Born in Schenectady to Bertha and George LaVallee on August 13, 1955, he attended Schalmont High School and graduated in 1973 then joined the US Navy that same year. He spent 4 years active duty and 18 years reserves retiring in December 1995. While on active duty stationed in San Diego in 1974 he met his wife Crystal (Kris) and they married August 16th, 1975. They had one girl child, Candra Marie in March 1978. Mike and Kris bought their house in Rotterdam Junction in 1979, soon after Mike joined the local fire department known as RJVFD. He worked his way up the ranks, captain, assistant chief, chief and now commissioner. He lived and loved for his guys at the department. In July 1991, he was employed at SI Group (Schenectady International) in Rotterdam Junction where he retired in May 2016 with 25 years. Mike played Santa for thousands of children young and old at the RJVFD for over 35 years, Toys for Tots Navy reserve center for 15 years and SI Group Union Christmas party even after retirement. He was a standing member of the Rotterdam Elks for 40 years and the Guan Ho Ha Rod and Gun Club for over 25 years. He loved to fish, hunt and ride his big toy, the Harley Ultra Classic with his buds the Wild Hogs. He had many toys over the years that he enjoyed including snowmobiles, his 2 Harleys, boats and more boats. His favorite love was his New Orleans Saints football team with his greatest day being able to watch them win the Super Bowl in 2010. Mike enjoyed being an EMT and loved helping people whether being in the fire department, riding Rotterdam ambulance or volunteering at SPAC. Now we know where his daughter Candy got it and he was so proud of her following in his footsteps. Every child from babies to teens loved Papa or Papa Mike and he returned that love. He had a big heart for all animals but recently his dog, Harley David, and his grandcat, Shorty, this came from his mom Bertha, who passed in 2009. His love of fishing and tinkering came from his dad, George who passed away in 2015. Mike leaves behind his wife, Kris, daughter, Candy (Jay) Kimball, grandchildren, Michaela, Felicity and Jasen. His sisters, Kitty (Jim) Stairs, niece, Joelle and nephew, Jimmy, Becky Moore and nieces, Kailyn and Randi, Tina (Bob) Martin and nephew, Dave, 2 great nephews, Owen and Thomas, a god daughter, Hadley Boyce and a father-in-law, Floyd LaBombard who was another great father figure. He would never want to forget his closest friends, Marty (Cindy) VanBuren, Alan (Jennifer) Boyce, Bob (Kate) Montesano, Mark (Ruth) Borra, Frank (Carrie) Fisher and his picklepuss, Blase. Calling hours will be on Friday, July 21st from 9:15-11:15am at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. Funeral services will begin at 11:15am. Interment with full military honors will be at Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. The family would prefer, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Rotterdam Junction Fire Department, 1215 Main Street, Rotterdam Junction, NY 12150.