Like many others who will have heard the news, I am saddened by "Valmo's" passing but also honoured to have known him.
John was one of those rare individuals who was modest and fun-loving despite his genius. There were a few areas that I thought John did not excel in. He just didn't seem to care that he was so gifted. He was fun to be around and often had a funny thing to say. He was also very thoughtful and curious about many aspects of life. He appeared to operate on many levels at the same time.
I didn't know about John's life for a long period until I reconnected after a class reunion and then again on Facebook during COVID. He still appeared the same guy at heart though there was little hiding a hard path trodden. But here he was driving people in his car and one could only imagine his warm and gentle way of engaging with customers and those in strife that he was helping. The Harry Chapin song, Taxi, springs to mind.
As with many other classmates, we are left to look back on our days together and scan our yearbooks to snap memories back to life. Had life played out differently perhaps we might have gotten together or been closer friends. But life is like that, we took paths that were destined not to cross until recently and briefly.
What I know is that in some way Valmo like many other classmates had an influence on my life at an important time. Thank you, John, you gave so much more than you took.
What a beautiful tribute, Omar. The picture of John which you posted is my favorite of John and how I remember him. I am so glad John finally made it to our 50th reunion and was able to reconnect with many of us. A lovely soul. Thank you for sharing.
These notices about our classmates, always make me pause, to remember. I sense from what I'm reading about John, is that he helped far more people than he might even realize, nor have to talk about, because he really embraced the art of listening. Most likely those in his sphere, whether it be in a cab, or around a table, shared personal matters that they later walked away and thought, not even my closest friends/family know this. I am so grateful for this space, to maintain a connection, even after all these years. Mahalo Nui Loa.
I starting hanging out with John through Cub Scouts and it was through John that I became friends with the rest of the Parkway Road gang. During the summers, John, Pat Wheadon and I would organize sandlot baseball games on the BHS fields. We played a LOT of baseball. John and I were both quite smitten by Pat because whoever had her on their team usually won. Pat and I talked about this at Buzzy's Friday cocktail reception.
John was a lot of fun and easy to be with. While he was the definition of laidback, we always had something to talk about. It was in 8th grade when I began to realize John was moving in a new direction - he was developing a social conscience. Because I was in Mr. Block's typing class that semester, John asked me to type a letter he had handwritten. John was going to send the letter to the editors of the local Westchester press - Standard Star, Daily Argus and BRP&R. The letter was an appeal to the town of Bronxville to embrace new cultures as residents - especially Blacks and Jews. Typing his thoughts and talking about it with him created an awareness about equality and social justice within me. The letter was never published and I cannot remember why, but I remember the letter's importance and John's humanity like it was yesterday.
I have many, many happy memories of being his friend, playing sports together and sharing a frosty - and for that I am grateful. I am also especially grateful for the 50th Reunion Leadership that organized the 2023 event in which I was able to see John again and reconnect.
John reached out to me during COVID and it was the first time I had heard from him in over 50 years. We both played the drums and I would spend hours it his house alternating with him keeping time with the Beatles on his drum kit. He had "Johnny V" painted on the skin of the bass. It is still one of my fondest Bronxville memories. He was extremely bright always smiling with a twinkle in his eyes. The world needs more like him. I am having dinner tonight with JT and I will let him know the sad news and remember Johnny V.
What lovely things you all have said about John. He was truly a special soul, and we were all blessed to have him in our class. His obituary captured his spirit lovingly and truly gave people a vivid picture of who he was and what he cared about. I remember when his beloved wife passed and he was so distraught, such a kind and loving man. When Steve was so sick, I contacted him and got them connected to say goodbye. Wonder what they are talking about up there.....I will always remember the two inseparable Johns, John Valmas and John Shepley we were all part of the 12 + gang. It was indeed wonderful he was able to make our 50th reunion, we will miss his light and his beautiful spirit.
One of my favorite memories of high school was leaving the senior class party with John to just walk and talk until sunrise. He was an old soul, with insight and intellectual curiosity. Now and then he would hand me a wry folded up poem or verse. Wish I could have taken a cab ride with him. Sincere sympathies to his family.
Omar Khalifa
Like many others who will have heard the news, I am saddened by "Valmo's" passing but also honoured to have known him.
John was one of those rare individuals who was modest and fun-loving despite his genius. There were a few areas that I thought John did not excel in. He just didn't seem to care that he was so gifted. He was fun to be around and often had a funny thing to say. He was also very thoughtful and curious about many aspects of life. He appeared to operate on many levels at the same time.
I didn't know about John's life for a long period until I reconnected after a class reunion and then again on Facebook during COVID. He still appeared the same guy at heart though there was little hiding a hard path trodden. But here he was driving people in his car and one could only imagine his warm and gentle way of engaging with customers and those in strife that he was helping. The Harry Chapin song, Taxi, springs to mind.
As with many other classmates, we are left to look back on our days together and scan our yearbooks to snap memories back to life. Had life played out differently perhaps we might have gotten together or been closer friends. But life is like that, we took paths that were destined not to cross until recently and briefly.
What I know is that in some way Valmo like many other classmates had an influence on my life at an important time. Thank you, John, you gave so much more than you took.
Ann LaCava (Becket)
What a beautiful tribute, Omar. The picture of John which you posted is my favorite of John and how I remember him. I am so glad John finally made it to our 50th reunion and was able to reconnect with many of us. A lovely soul. Thank you for sharing.
Patricia Lippe (Davis)
John Shepley shared this photo with me of the last time he saw Valmos this past August and he gave me permission to share it here. RIP. x
Joanie Evans (Madsen)
These notices about our classmates, always make me pause, to remember. I sense from what I'm reading about John, is that he helped far more people than he might even realize, nor have to talk about, because he really embraced the art of listening. Most likely those in his sphere, whether it be in a cab, or around a table, shared personal matters that they later walked away and thought, not even my closest friends/family know this. I am so grateful for this space, to maintain a connection, even after all these years. Mahalo Nui Loa.
David Shea
I starting hanging out with John through Cub Scouts and it was through John that I became friends with the rest of the Parkway Road gang. During the summers, John, Pat Wheadon and I would organize sandlot baseball games on the BHS fields. We played a LOT of baseball. John and I were both quite smitten by Pat because whoever had her on their team usually won. Pat and I talked about this at Buzzy's Friday cocktail reception.
John was a lot of fun and easy to be with. While he was the definition of laidback, we always had something to talk about. It was in 8th grade when I began to realize John was moving in a new direction - he was developing a social conscience. Because I was in Mr. Block's typing class that semester, John asked me to type a letter he had handwritten. John was going to send the letter to the editors of the local Westchester press - Standard Star, Daily Argus and BRP&R. The letter was an appeal to the town of Bronxville to embrace new cultures as residents - especially Blacks and Jews. Typing his thoughts and talking about it with him created an awareness about equality and social justice within me. The letter was never published and I cannot remember why, but I remember the letter's importance and John's humanity like it was yesterday.
I have many, many happy memories of being his friend, playing sports together and sharing a frosty - and for that I am grateful. I am also especially grateful for the 50th Reunion Leadership that organized the 2023 event in which I was able to see John again and reconnect.
John - Peace and Blessings.
Richard Latour
John reached out to me during COVID and it was the first time I had heard from him in over 50 years. We both played the drums and I would spend hours it his house alternating with him keeping time with the Beatles on his drum kit. He had "Johnny V" painted on the skin of the bass. It is still one of my fondest Bronxville memories. He was extremely bright always smiling with a twinkle in his eyes. The world needs more like him. I am having dinner tonight with JT and I will let him know the sad news and remember Johnny V.
Elizabeth Raebeck (Hall)
What lovely things you all have said about John. He was truly a special soul, and we were all blessed to have him in our class. His obituary captured his spirit lovingly and truly gave people a vivid picture of who he was and what he cared about. I remember when his beloved wife passed and he was so distraught, such a kind and loving man. When Steve was so sick, I contacted him and got them connected to say goodbye. Wonder what they are talking about up there.....I will always remember the two inseparable Johns, John Valmas and John Shepley we were all part of the 12 + gang. It was indeed wonderful he was able to make our 50th reunion, we will miss his light and his beautiful spirit.
Cynthia Liebler (Saari)
One of my favorite memories of high school was leaving the senior class party with John to just walk and talk until sunrise. He was an old soul, with insight and intellectual curiosity. Now and then he would hand me a wry folded up poem or verse. Wish I could have taken a cab ride with him. Sincere sympathies to his family.