Obituary of Richard W. “Dick” LaValle

BELLE HAVEN/CANISTEO: Richard W. “Dick” LaValle, 92, passed away Monday evening July 24, 2023 at Highland Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness. Dick was born on October 20, 1930 in North Hornell to the late William H. and Ellethra “Teab” (Stevens) LaValle and was a life-long resident of the Canisteo Valley residing in Belle Haven on the family farm. He was a retired science teacher from the Arkport Central School District. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954, honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. Dick was very dedicated to his community where he was a member and past president of the Canisteo Rotary Club and being very proud in the establishment of the canoe/boat launch at Rotary Park. He enjoyed singing and had been a member of the Hornell Barbershop chorus and the Canisteo Presbyterian Church choir. He was a 4H instructor, a certified NYS hunter safety instructor, former town board member and part time farmer. Dick’s greatest passion was for horses. He was a rider, instructor and mentor to many young riders and was one of the founders to the Canisteo/Hornell Region’s United States Pony Club-Belle Hollow Hunt (4-penn-ny). He wore many hats in his 92 years and lived a full life. He is survived by a daughter Deborah (Harold) Johnson of Ontario, N.Y., grandson Gregory (Tina) Johnson, Great granddaughters Lilyona and Hanna Johnson, a sister Jeanne Hollenbeck of Canandaigua and brother-in-law William Cass of NYC. He was predeceased by a sister Josanne LaValle and brother-in-law Robert Hollenbeck. There will be no services at this time, a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions in Dick’s name may be made to the Canisteo Rotary Club, c/o Vickie Harrison, P.O. Box 86, Canisteo, NY 14823. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.