Obituary of Joseph Alfred Bertrand Vaillant

Joseph Alfred Bertrand Vaillant
Joseph Alfred Bertrand Vaillant, 86, of Haines City Florida, beloved husband of Claire (Lalumiere) Vaillant, passed away peacefully at Good Shepard Hospice with loving family by his side on Thursday, August 10th.
Born Sept. 27, 1936 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island he was the son of Marie (Peloquin) Vaillant and Eldege Vaillant who predeceased him. He is also predeceased by his son, Ronald Vaillant of Culpeper Va. Joe was a glazier for Middletown Plate Glass for 25 years before transitioning to Civil Service work where he worked as an Air Traffic Control Specialist in the Air National Guard, then a Mail Handler for the USPS until his retirement.
Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters., Diane (Vaillant) Barber and husband Randy of Leesburg FL., Susan (Vaillant) Pinhey and husband Steve of Haines City FL., and Karen (Vaillant) Reed and husband Joey of Hamilton Va., his eight beloved grandchildren; Grace, Samantha, Alex, Maggie, Cory, Scott, Matt and Tristan. As well as nine great grandchildren.
Joe was a Korean War veteran who never lost the taste for service to his country. He dedicated 29 years to the Air National Guard in the state of Connecticut, finishing his career as a Chief Master Sargent. He participated in operations all over the world, and yet still made time to pick up the kids from swim team practice or take a carload of kids to Riverside Park for that special trip at the end of summer. Christmas was always a special event for Joe; Duct Tape was his favorite weapon of choice. And anyone who ever spent a Christmas with him knows this:  never trust the box… the item inside was rarely the same as the picture on the box!
Although quiet and soft spoken- he was a great communicator to family and friends. He had a clever sense of humor and was quick to laugh.  His presence will be missed immeasurably.
 
Friends may call at Oak Ridge Funeral Home 1001 Grace Ave. Haines City FL. on Tuesday, August 15 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be Wednesday at 10:00 am at St. Ann Catholic Church, Haines City.  In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to Good Shepard Hospice, 450 Arneson Ave, Auburndale FL, 33823  Volunteers and Donors | Chapters Health Foundation or please donate a tree in Joseph's honor.