Charles Joseph Valle Sr.

Charles J. “Chuck” Valle, Sr., a retired Gould Inc. sales executive, died Friday, February 15, 2013 of heart failure at his Baltimore County home. He recently celebrated his 91st birthday. Born in Rochester, New York, on 8 February 1922, he moved with his family to Federal Hill, Baltimore in 1924. A member of the Southern High School Class of 1940, he was a standout football and basketball player for the Greyhounds. He enlisted in the Marines in December, 1941, and reported for basic training at Paris Island, South Carolina in the spring of 1942. He served with honor and distinction in the United States Marine Corps from 1942-1945, where he saw combat in most of the major engagements of the Pacific war. He was assigned to the USS San Jacinto, a carrier that joined the Pacific fleet in 1943. Following his wartime service, he became a firefighter until 1956 with “2 Truck” in Baltimore City. It was during this time that he met and married Angela, of New York, on June 12, 1954. He was employed with Gould, Inc. from 1957 until his retirement in 1986, and rose from a position as a field service engineer to various sales management leadership roles in the mid-Atlantic region. He was a member of Optimist International and the Knights of Columbus (Long Green Valley Council 8736), and a long-time member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hydes, Maryland.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 58 years, Angela M. (“Lee”) Valle, and his sister, Magdelina (“Madge”) Snowden (94) of New Castle, Delaware. He is also survived by four sons and one daughter: Michael G. Valle of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and his wife Lorraine; Charles J. Valle, Jr., of Madonna, Maryland, and his wife Catherine; Anthony Valle of Charlotte, North Carolina, and his wife Judy; Matthew Valle of Stoney Creek, North Carolina, and his wife Patricia; and Lisa Marie Valle and Elisabeth Foard of Baltimore, Maryland. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Collen Ewart (Roger), Kirsten Pittman (Reese), Eric , Jenna, Megan, Laramie, Tom and John Valle and 2 great grandchildren: Andrew and Spencer Ewart.

Growing up during the depression hardened him. Combat service surely honed his already resolute character. Multiple heart surgeries. Broken bones. Cancer. Even boxing matches at Steel Worker’s Hall. Chuck Valle could take on all comers. But he will be remembered most as the loving husband and father that he was, a reliable friend, and a living example of what men are supposed to be and do and say. Chuck was most proud of his family, his friends, his service to the United States during World War II; and his Italian heritage. His son Matt Valle says “Dad was tough as nails when he had to be, yet unfailingly compassionate, generous and quick with a smile. He was one helluva man and will be missed”.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the St. John The Evangelist Church, 13305 Long Green Pike, Hydes, MD 21082 on Wednesday, February 20 at 10AM. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be directed in Mr. Valle’s memory to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 ATTN: Gift Processing.