Mr. Valere John LaFrance, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 24th, at the age of 84.  Val is survived by his wife, Dorothea Janette LaFrance, the family of his two sons Christian V. LaFrance and Paul Scott LaFrance, nephews, Edward and Ben and cherished friends.

Born on April 8, 1939 in Holbrook New York, Val (as he is better known) had a remarkable career that spanned many roles and industries.  As a US Marine Corps pilot he flew planes in the Vietnam war and served his country for 8 years.  He was a police officer, commercial airline pilot, a maritime and riverboat captain and continued his passion of the water by captaining tourist boats in Tarpon Springs where he and his wife, Janette, lived til recently.

On November 10, 2007,  Valere LaFrance married his love, Dorothea Janette (Ambler) LaFrance. Together, they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Their bond was one of deep love and mutual respect, serving as an inspiration to all who witnessed it. Throughout their 16 years of marriage, Val and Janette stood by each other’s side through thick and thin, facing life’s challenges with unwavering strength and unwavering devotion.

Although he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A celebration of Val’s life will be held on April 8th at Bay Pines National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.  Military Honors shall be rendered by the US Marine Corps Funeral Honors Team and American Legion Post 273.