Robert John DeValle

Robert (Bob) DeValle, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2023, at the age of 89. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on December 21, 1933, to the late Rufino and Lydia (Silva) DeValle where he attended Boston Latin before moving to Natick. It was there where he was awarded the Alfred E. Hoey Memorial Trophy in 1952 as Natick High's Most Valuable Athlete and began a seven-decade love affair with his wife Sylvia (Piers).

Bob attended the University of Massachusetts on a football and track scholarship and graduated in 1958. He went on to serve in the Army Reserves, rising to the rank of Captain. Bob had a long and successful career in the life insurance business. Following a management role at Aetna's home office he joined Massachusetts Mutual's home office and eventually became Vice President of Agency Development before being appointed General Agent in Springfield. He grew the DeValle Agency to over 100 financial representatives during his 20-year leadership. He was awarded several accolades for his work, including the GAMA Master Agency Award, and the Gold National Management Award.

Bob was highly active in his community. He served as the Chair of the Massachusetts American Heart Association and was on the Board of Directors of several organizations, including, the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, The Colony Club, Aggie Bank of Pittsfield, Multibank National and the Bank Boston of Springfield. He was the founding member of the William Smith Clarke Society of UMass, was a member of the Business Friends of Tanglewood the Boston Symphony, the Phillips Society of Mass General Hospital and a contributor to the Clarke School of Hearing and Speech. He was always willing to help others and he influenced the lives of many.

Traveling between their residences in Springfield, New London, Boston and West Palm Beach, Bob was an active member of the Field Club of Longmeadow, The Longmeadow Country Club, the Sunapee Country Club and Breakers West.

Bob and Sylvia were also original contributors to the Kravis Center, members of the Sailfish Club and the Breakers of Palm Beach

Bob was a dedicated husband and father. He married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Piers, and together they had six children. He was a loving and supportive parent, and always put his family first. He taught them the importance of hard work, honesty, and integrity. Bob was a role model for them, and they will always cherish the memories of his love, his laughter, and his kindness.

Bob is predeceased by his daughter Andrea, and his sister, Lydia. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia (Piers) DeValle, of Carolina Beach; devoted father to Robert Jr (Maris) of Napa, CA, Timothy of Punta Gorda, FL, Katherine of Tampa, FL, Gregory of California, and Duane (Genevieve) of Carolina Beach. He is also survived by his cherished sisters Mary and Mildred.

A visitation will be held in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St., NATICK COMMON, on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 10:30 am thru 11:30 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be held at Glenwood Cemetery, Natick.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

For online guestbook and directions: everettfuneral.com

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