James Stephen Vallely

James Stephen Vallely, affectionately known as Steve, 69, of Fort Wayne died September 14, 2021 at St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne, IN. He was born to the late James and Helen Vallely on April 26, 1952 in Terre Haute, IN. Steve is survived by his loving wife Angela; well loved children Genevieve Vallely, Lara Vallely (Jeremy South), Gabe Vallely, and Amelia Vallely-Compton (Ted Compton); grandkids Toby South, Cecilia and Felicity Compton who lovingly knew him as Pappy; brothers John (Susan) Vallely, and Joe (Sue) Vallely, nephews Michael Vallely, Jerry (Georgette) Vallely, Andy (Kat) Jansen, Paul (Pooja) Jansen, extended family, and numerous well thought of friends. After serving proudly in the United States Army, he lived in Terre Haute, IN and Springfield, IL, before settling in Fort Wayne, IN. He held a variety of job positions throughout his life but enjoyed driving and bartending the best. Raised Catholic, he was a proud Democrat and avid sports fan, cheering his favorite teams Notre Dame, Chicago White Sox, and the Chicago Bears. He was King of the Remote wherever he went so he could watch the ballgame. An active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3512 he held several officer positions with the last 5 years as President. On Leap Day 2020 he proposed to his longtime companion, Angela, and they were married on July 13, 2020. In 2009 his first heart attack resulted in 6 stents (his 6 pack of Bud) and a year later had another stent (his shot of Fireball). Retiring in 2018 he fought colon cancer and won, and in 2020 he had quadruple bypass surgery. Despite these hurdles, Steve always knew how to “Play Like A Champion.”

Funeral Service will be 10:00 am, Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave with calling from 9:30am to 10am. Visitation will be held Friday, September 24, 2021, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Following burial there will be a Celebration of Life at Fraternal Order of Eagles #3512 at 2730 Lofty Dr, Fort Wayne. At a later date a Celebration of Life will be held in Terre Haute, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to charity of donor’s choice.