Obituary of James Mathew D'Valle

James Mathew D’Valle

Passed away on 03/18/2025 at his home at the age of 88 surrounded by his friends and family. He was a resident of Ecumen Assisted Living in Apple Valley, MN.

He was born on 01/18/1937 in the City of Cambridge Springs, PA. He was the loving son of Dominico D’Valle and Lydia Scherbaum D’Valle.

At the age of 14 James went to the monastery to become a Trappist Monk in Kentucky at the Abbey of Gethsemani. He was a devout catholic. He spent his days honoring the lord, working in the gardens, making fine cheeses and the best fruit cake around the holidays. He left the monastery in 1951 to go live with his oldest brother in Washington D.C. He then moved to Colorado with his first wife. To make ends meet he dug graves, milked cows and was into various construction projects. Later in life he got a degree in computer electronics from Los Alamos New Mexico College. His employment took him to New Jersey and then from there to Minnesota where he resided for the rest of his life. He worked with Sperry Univac and Unysis for many years before he retired.

James had a great passion for building things. He built his own home in Colorado from the ground up. He loved to have big vegetable gardens and flower gardens. He always loved planting trees and shrubs if there was room in the yard. He really loved taking care of his children and grandchildren. He thought he was going to have a carpentry shop when he retired but ended up watching his grandkids which gave him great pleasure. James was always loving and kind. He would take the shirt off his back for anyone. He always preached love and helping others. He always left a lasting impression with the people he met and talked to. He always had a quick wit and the best sense of humor. Always telling jokes and making you smile. Everyone that new him or met him said he was the nicest man. He will be missed for his deep kindness and deep love towards others.

James is survived by his wife Cindy D’Valle married for over 37 years; First wife Dolores Pino Smith. Brother, Donald D’Valle, brother Joe D’Valle (D), sisters Pauline, Sylvia & Alice; (3) sons Joe D’Valle, Jimmy D’Valle (D) & Paul Finch-Gallo, (2) step daughters Deanna Dixon (husband Dirk), and Debbie Marsolek (husband Terry), Grandkids, Dillon D’Valle (Bella Caley), Carson D’Valle, Brandon D’Valle, mom of the grand kids Alexis D’Valle, (2) great grand kids, Daleyza D’Valle and Selina Stertz, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will be held for James D’Valle at Antlers Park in Lakeville, MN 05/24/2025 from 4-7. Please join us in his celebration of life.