Obituary of Richard J. Valles

Richard James Valles Scientist and long time Randolph resident, loved music, the ocean, learning—and his family Richard (Dick) James Valles, 83, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, concluded his journey in life on March 9th at his home of 53 years in Randolph, New Jersey. Originally from New York City, Dick was born July 11, 1929 and raised in the Borough of Staten Island, graduating from Curtis High School. He earned his BS in Chemistry at Wagner College where he also played for the school's football and basketball teams. With an insatiable desire to continue learning, Dick completed graduate studies at the University of Texas; received a Master's degree in Chemistry from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1957; and a Masters of Engineering Management and MBA from Florida Institute of Technology in 1982 and 1984, respectively. Dick, is survived by his wife, Ann (Haviland) Valles, also a Staten Island native; his three sons, Richard Valles, Jr. and his wife Elizabeth of East Northport, LI, NY; Todd Valles and his wife Maria of Millville, PA; and Peter Valles and his wife Basia of Mendham, NJ. Dick was a beloved grandfather (Poppy) to five adoring grandchildren who will miss his gentle nature, his kindness and wisdom: Lauren Valles, Kristen Valles, Connor Valles, Hunter Valles, and Peter Valles, Jr. In addition, he was Uncle Dick to eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerard; his mother Agnes; a brother, Gerard; and nephew, Robert. Dick was always a contributor, with a working career that spanned more than 60 years. He had 41 years of distinguished service in the Department of the Army at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, NJ where he worked as a Polymer Researcher Chemist and later a Materials Engineer. Upon retiring in 1999, Dick continued his work with a consulting agency, and until just recently, the security firm, Securitas in Morris Plains, NJ. With his musical gifts, Dick enjoyed the trumpet and played in a band in his younger days. He went on to sing as a member of the Livingston chapter of the Dapper Dans of Harmony for 16 years, winning the International Championships in 1967 and 1970. Spending summers at the Jersey Shore and weekends in the Poconos; taking scouting trips, skiing and camping with his boys; enjoying holidays with family, good food and football; playing cards and golfing with his buddies from the Arsenal; and cheering on his grandchildren at their games, concerts and recitals—these were some of life’s moments Dick treasured most—and some of the moments we will miss the most without him. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, March 13,2013 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tuttle Funeral Home in Randolph., NJ.www.Tuttlefh.com . A mass of Christian burial will be held at the Resurrection Parish in Randolph, NJ on Thursday, March 14,2013 at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at the Gate of Heaven Mausoleum in East Hanover.