REV. PIERRE A. LAVALLEE - SOUTH BURLINGTON - The Rev. Pierre A. LaVallee, 79, died at his home in South Burlington on Jan. 3, 2015, after a brief illness. He was born in Burlington on Jan. 14, 1935, the son of Dr. Raymond E. and Mary Blanche (Letourneau) LaVallee. He attended Cathedral High School, Burlington, St. Michael's College, Colchester, and the University of Ottawa, Canada. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1961, by Bishop Robert F. Joyce. His priestly ministry began as Parochial Vicar at Notre Dame, St. Johnsbury (1961). He also served at St. Augustine, Montpelier (1961 to 1965), and Holy Angels, St. Albans (1965 to 1971). His first pastorate was at St. Patrick, Fairfield, and St. Anthony/St. George, East Fairfield (1971 to 1982). He also served as Pastor at St. Peter, Vergennes (1982 to 1991), St. Joseph, Burlington (1991 to 1999), and St. Ambrose, Bristol (1999 to 2011). Father LaVallee was granted Senior Priest Status on July 1, 2011. His diocesan responsibilities included Diocesan Presbyteral Council, Diocesan Consultor, Treasurer and member of the Board of Vermont Catholic Charities, and Dean of Franklin, Addison, and Burlington Deaneries. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Degoesbriand Council. He is survived by two brothers, Courtland R. LaVallee of Williamsville, N.Y., and Roderick LaVallee and his wife, Martha, of Cornwall on Hudson, N.Y.; eight nieces and nephews; nine great-nieces and great-nephews; two great-great-nieces; an uncle, Armand Letourneau and his wife, Pauline, of California; many cousins; close friends and dear parishioners. Father Pierre was predeceased by his parents; and sister-in-law, Annette LaVallee. Visiting hours will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today, Jan. 7, 2015, in the Boucher and Pritchard Funeral Home, 85 N. Winooski Avenue, Burlington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, in St. Joseph Co-Cathedral with Monsignor John J. McDermott, Apostolic Administrator, as principal celebrant. Homilist will be Father Yvon Royer. Interment will follow in Old Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boucher and Pritchard Funeral Directors. Father Pierre's motto: "I tried."