James A. Lavalle

Retired police Chief James A. Lavalle, 72 of West Newfield, died unexpectedly Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at MMC.He was born May 1, 1940 in Cambridge Mass., the son of the late Loretta and Arthur Lavalle. He was married to Patricia Giles on October 22, 2010. He enjoyed the outdoors; fishing, hunting, camping and raising birds.He served in law enforcement for 32 years. He joined the Somerville Police Department May 11, 1965 as a patrolman. In 1977 he was promoted to sergeant then to lieutenant in 1979, assigned to detective bureau. He headed the homicide division and was elevated to Captain in 1980. He moved to Kennebunk in August of 1982 to accept the chief of police position. Chief Lavalle retired from the police department after 16 years of service and purchased the Family & Friends Campground in Standish ME. After battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma he sold campground in 2004 and moved to West Newfield.He received numerous awards and recommendations through out his career in law enforcement. He received his associates degree in criminal justice. He was a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a member of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.James was predeceased by his first wife, Joanne Lavalle.He is survived by his wife Patricia Lavalle, his children Jennifer Prive and her husband Phil, Michelle Walker and her husband Mike, Kim Fredette, Joanne Allison and her husband Sean, Laura Lavalle, David Lavalle and his wife Tracy, Paul Lavalle and his wife Tammy, James Lavalle and his wife Tonya and step-children Kristie Giles and Janie Giles. He is also survived by 25 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.A funeral for James will be held this Friday, May 18, 2012 at 12noon. An hour of visitation will begin at 11AM until the time of the funeral service at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Maine St., Springvale, ME. Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco.Those wishing to leave a message of condolence for the family should visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com.