Robert E. Valiton, Sr. of Leominster, previously of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, February 10, 2022, in his family’s home surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was 94 years old, and is predeceased by his wife of over 60 years, Priscilla A. (Coulombe) Valiton, his eldest son, Donald R. Valiton, of Cummings, Georgia, his granddaughter, his little angel Kristy Daulton, of Leominster, and eight brothers and sisters.
Born on Christmas Day, 1927, Robert was the son of William and Meta (Chartier) Valiton of Blossom St. in Fitchburg. He was born and raised in Fitchburg, attending school there before entering the U.S. Navy upon graduation. He served as a Fireman First Class aboard the USS Stoddard and the USS Earheart until his honorable discharge in 1946 following the end of World War II.
Also known as Val and Bobby, Robert was extremely active in the Fitchburg community throughout his life. After his time in the Navy, he worked for many years at Digital Equipment in Westminster, assembling computers and, as a self-described “lifelong class clown”, building a strong sense of community among his coworkers. Val was an avid skier and a member of the board of directors of the Flopenaufin Ski Club in Fitchburg. He was a founding member of and served as President of the Longsjo Bike Race, a facilitator in the Marriage Encounter counseling program, and was deeply invested in the Immaculate Conception Bishop’s Fund. Val volunteered at the Norman Valiton Homeless Shelter, named for his brother. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception PTA, the Knights of Columbus, and Turner Hall. On top of all this, Robert found joy in building detailed birdhouses in his workshop, dressing as Snoopy for the children of his neighborhood, and raising his four loving children.
Robert is survived by three children, Kathy J. Daulton and her husband Ken of Green Valley, Arizona, Robert E. Valiton, Jr. and his wife Susie of Destin, Florida, and John (Jay) J. Valiton and his wife Paula of Leominster; six grandchildren, Kimberly and Kraig Daulton, Robert III (Trey) and Val’s butterfly, Victoria Valiton, and Nicholas and Jacob Valiton. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Linda Erickson of Florida, his brother Tom Valiton, and many nieces and nephews.
Val’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 11:00am in St. Joseph’s Church, 49 Woodland St., Fitchburg, MA. An interment service with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Tuesday evening, February 15, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Val’s memory may be sent to the Sterling Animal Shelter (17 Laurelwood Rd. Sterling, MA) or to VNA Care (Fund Development Office, 199 Rosewood Dr., Suite 180, Danvers, MA)
The Lavery Chartrand Alario Funeral Home, 99 Summer St. in Fitchburg, MA, is directing.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Robert E. Valiton Sr., please visit our floral store.