Obituary of Matt Valley

"Palmer, Matario "Matt" J. Valley, Sr., 90, of Calkins Rd., died peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at his home surrounded by his family. Born in Seymour, CT, April 5, 1918, he grew up in Springfield before relocating to Palmer in 1945. Matt served his country in the Navy during WWII and spent many years working in Alaska for the University of Washington in its Naval Arctic Research program. He will long be remembered as running the family business for 10 years, "Happy Valley Pizza" in Palmer, as well as his love of golf, poker and his time in Alaska. He will be missed by his wife of 67 years, Kathleen (Lockhart) Valley, his four children Kathleen Kasben and husband Joseph of Ashville, NC, Matthew J., Jr. and his wife Phyllis of Monson, Patricia Valley and Thomas Valley of Palmer, along with his siblings Frances Zampecini of E. Longmeadow, Catherine Lenard of Brimfield and FL, and Ann Marie Kachinoski of Hempstead, NY. He also leaves 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Calling hours will be Tuesday, February 24 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main St., (Rte. 20) followed by Funeral Services in the funeral home at 11:30 a.m. the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Quaboag Valley Hospice, 42B Wright St., Palmer, 01069. "