Donald Louis Valardo

VALARDO, Donald Louis — August 13, 1934- March 16, 2010. Well-known Dartmouth businessman and former City Council member Donald Louis Valardo died suddenly and peacefully at home March 16, 2010, at the age of 75. Donald was the son of the late Matthew and Mary Ann (Nardini) Valardo of St. John, N.B. and moved to Dartmouth in 1963 at the age of 29 as Sales Manager for the new Moosehead Breweries facilities in Burnside. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Dawn; daughters, Debra (Jim Barlow), Dartmouth; Patti (James Wylie), Lower Sackville; Nancy (Darrell Penney), Fall River; son, Tony (Patti) of Dartmouth; brother, Ronald, St. John, N.B.; grandchildren, Jacquline Barlow-Carruthers, Thomas Barlow, Nick and Megan Wylie, Kristian and Matthew Valardo and great-granddaughter, Cydney Carruthers. He was predeceased by brothers, Matthew, Joseph, and sister Theresa; beloved granddaughter, Melissa. The larger than life New Brunswicker was immediately adopted by the Dartmouth community and shed the "come from away" label very quickly and in the next 47 years Don would indeed cast a large shadow throughout Nova Scotia but especially in his beloved Dartmouth. His commitment, drive, determination, energy and dedication knew no bounds as Don focused his attention on politics, business interests, community service and for that matter just about any cause or project that needed a helping hand or a general to lead the charge. Don was many things to many people and although he has spent countless hours working on behalf of others and countless organizations far too extensive to list, his family has never taken a back seat to any of his endeavors. Their welfare has always and to the end remained his number one priority. As a matter of fact wife Dawn, and children Debbie, Patti, Tony, and Nancy have been called upon many times over the years to do some heavy lifting as a result of commitments, projects and assignments that Dad decided to tackle. Don was a self-made man who came from humble beginnings in our neighboring province. He was first employed as a brewery worker with the Olands Family owned Moosehead Plant in St. John where he was elected as the youngest President ever of the United Brewery Workers of America. After a successful career in the brewery industry Don's first foray into the private enterprise world was the acquisition of the Ship Victory Beverage Room in North-end Dartmouth followed closely by the Black Bear in Windsor. Next came The Palace in Halifax, Glasgow Pub in New Glasgow and then ownership of the Buccaneers Pub in his old home town of St. John. The real estate market became his next target as he acquired numerous properties and retail units throughout the city. His community service is exemplary. He served two terms as Alderman on Dartmouth City Council representing the then Ward four and was a member of most major municipal Council committees. A lifelong member of the Liberal party of Nova Scotia, for more than a decade he served as President of the Dartmouth North Constituency Association, as well as the Provincial Executive Association and carried the Liberal colors as a candidate in a provincial election. Don has never been shy to voice his opinion on any subject but his loyalty and support of worthy causes has been unconditional and his endeavors on behalf of Dartmouth seniors can attest to that. In 2009 he was honored by the Dartmouth Senior Citizens organizations for his outstanding contribution to senior projects and programs. As chairman of the Dartmouth Winter carnival committee in 1973-74 he helped rejuvenate this event and elevated it to the status of the best community winter activity east of Quebec. In recent years the Dartmouth Kiwanis Club has been the recipient of Don's affection and energies. Just recently the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada honored Don's dedication and contribution to the community and the Kiwanis movement by awarding him the Clubs' Diamond Level Osborne Medal- in recognition of the work he accomplished on the club's behalf. He was also Chairman of the United Way Campaign, a member of the Austinville Owls Club, former chairman and member of the Dartmouth Sportsplex Board of Directors and a representative on HRM's Natal Day Steering Committee. He enjoyed fishing and curling but was passionate about hunting and his summer retreat in Malagash. Visitation will be held today from 6-8 p.m. and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in A. L. Mattatall's Funeral Home, 217 Portland St. Funeral services will be in St. Peters Roman Catholic Church, Maple Street, Dartmouth on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Rev. James Richards officiating. Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lower Sackville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Way campaign who have been requested to distribute funds made in Don's memory to North Dartmouth charitable and community organizations. Please visit: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com