LYNN – Richard Eli Valeri, 85, a longtime resident of Lynn, MA passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 23rd, after a lengthy, courageous battle with Primary Lateral Sclerosis. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Eli and Sarah Josephine (Cotter) Valeri. He graduated from Lynn Classical High School. After attending Bentley College, he began his career as an accountant opening his first office in the rear of his father’s store ‘Valeri Market’ which was located in the Brickyard of Lynn. He later joined the Massachusetts Office of the State Auditor, where he served as a Field Auditor for many years prior to his retirement in 2006.
Richard was the beloved husband of Mary Ellen (Crowley) Valeri of Lynn with whom he shared nearly 50 years of marriage; the loving father of Glen Valeri and his wife, Patricia of Lynn and Jennifer Falasca and her husband, Thomas of Saugus; the cherished “Papa” of Jared Valeri and his wife Kristen of Swampscott, Jensen, Jake and Lindsey Valeri, all of Lynn, and Anna, Thomas Jr. and Ella Falasca, all of Saugus; and the adoring great-grandfather of Aaron and Ashton Valeri.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life and inspired him to battle his disease so bravely.
During his illness, Richard came in contact with many caretakers who began as professionals and ended as family. Richard’s humor, kindness, and faith won over all who met him. The family is forever grateful for the love and peace provided to him while in the care of Deb Amato, Kathy Moore, Jerry Schwartz, Lisa Kirk, Tina Crean, Claudia Ordenez, Kayla Hudson, and John Piantedosi.
Richard was a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Pius V Church in Lynn. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Valladolid Council in Lynn and past and faithful Navigator of the Father Gabriel Druillette Assembly of 4th Degree Knights there. He was active in the former Lynn Jaycees and also helped in a number of political campaigns in Lynn.
Richard’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 29th from the CUFFE-MCGINN FUNERAL HOME, 157 Maple St., Lynn, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pius V Church, Lynn. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Lynn. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, May 28th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to All Care VNA & Hospice, 210 Market St., Lynn, MA 01901 or via www.allcare.org.
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