William Valcourt Obituary

CHICOPEE - William A. (Bill) Valcourt Jr., 93, of Chicopee Falls passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving and caring wife and family on January 26, 2022. Born to the late William A. and Clara (Wood) Valcourt on April 5, 1928, he was a lifelong resident of Chicopee. He attended school until the 11th grade when, at the age of 17, he joined the US Navy during WWII to fulfill his sense of duty and love for his country. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home and completed his high school education. Bill retired from Uniroyal Tire Company after working for 30 years as a Manager and a Process Engineer. He then worked 10 years at United Technologies in the X-ray Inspection Lab. Bill was known as a man of character, values, and faith who loved life. Active in his church (St George), he taught CCD and served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. He would later become an active congregant of Mary, Mother of Hope Church in Springfield were he created bonds of endearing friendships. Bill was also an active member of the community serving as an Assistant Scout Master (Troop 138), member of the Chicopee Conservation Commission, and a member of the Young At Heart Minstrel performing artists group. With Young at Heart, he performed in the United States and Europe. Bill will always be remembered for his love of the outdoors. As an avid sportsman, he embodied the comradery and friendship it generated, taking much pleasure in sharing his experience with his children and friends, whether it was navigating the waters of Quabbin Reservoir, fly fishing Back Lake (NH), trolling waters of Cape Cod Bay, jigging through the ice on Lake Buel, or hunting the fields and woods of New England. Most notably, he will be remembered for his thirst for knowledge and his passion for reading, making him a historian on many accounts. He is survived by his soul mate and wife of 71 years Claire (Pelletier) Valcourt; leaving behind five children: Lieutenant General (Ret) David P. Valcourt and wife Diane of Brewster, MA; Robert F. Valcourt and wife Susan of Chicopee, MA; Theresa L. Clancey of Chicopee, MA; Richard A. Valcourt and wife Mary of Chicopee, MA; and Diane M. Matheson and husband James of Eastampton, NJ. He was blessed with thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his endearing sister Jean Audrey Baker of Troy, MT in addition to several nieces and nephews.
THE FAMILY WILL GATHER TO REMEMBER BILL ON SUNDAY, JAN. 30, 2022 FROM 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. AT TYLUNAS FUNERAL HOME, 159 BROADWAY ST., CHICOPEE. FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD MONDAY MORNING AT 8:45 A.M. FROM TYLUNAS FUNERAL HOME FOLLOWED BY A LITURGY OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL AT 10:00 A.M. AT MARY MOTHER OF HOPE CHURCH, 840 Page Blvd, Springfield. His burial with US Navy Honors will follow the Mass at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee. Memorial contributions can be made to Mary Mother of Hope, 840 Page Blvd, Springfield, MA 01104 or The Friends of the Chicopee Public Library, 449 Front St, Chicopee, MA 01013