Jason R. "Jay" Vallee

Jason Richard Vallee, known to all as Jay, of Pawcatuck, Connecticut, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the age of 41. He was born on February 15, 1983, in Leominster, Massachusetts, to Gerard R. Vallee and his wife Sherry (Griffith) Senior of Fitchburg, MA. Jay was a bright and passionate individual, with an insatiable love for learning, writing, and sports. He was a 2001 graduate of Oakmont Regional High School in Ashburnham, MA, where he excelled both academically and athletically. Throughout school Jay was an active participant in baseball, soccer, and basketball, earning recognition for his dedication on and off the field. He played for the Oakmont Outlaws soccer team and was proud of his team’s multiple trips to the state championships. In addition to his academic and athletic pursuits, Jay worked at Market Basket throughout high school and college where he developed lasting friendships and a strong work ethic. One of Jay’s most cherished memories was his travel to Europe at the age of 13, when he participated in the People to People Ambassador Program, an experience that ignited his lifelong curiosity about the world. He went on to attend the University of Hartford, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2005 with a degree in Journalism. During his college years, Jay worked as a supervisor lifeguard at the university’s sports center and contributed to various academic and extracurricular pursuits. Jay’s professional journey included a number of roles in journalism. He started as a staff writer at the New Britain Herald and later worked as a staff writer for the Record Journal in Meriden, Connecticut. From 2010 to 2014, he served as the editor for the Southington & Berlin Patch, an online news platform. For the past decade, Jay contributed as an editor and writer at the Westerly Sun, in Westerly, Rhode Island, where his work earned him respect as a skilled journalist and a reliable voice in the community. Outside of his professional life, Jay had a deep love for baseball, both as a player and an avid fan. Jay was also passionate about history, research, and storytelling. His work led him to a deep interest in Norse-Celtic animism, which he explored extensively in his writings. He was also the proud author of a children’s book, a project close to his heart. Jay is survived by his loving family: his father Gerard Vallee and stepmother Renee, of Fitchburg, MA; his mother Sherry Ann Senior and stepfather Bernard, of Daytona Beach, FL; his grandmother Sue Harris of Daytona Beach, FL; his siblings Christopher P. Vallee and his wife Jacquelyn of Clinton, MA, Andrew J. Vallee and his wife Maria of Taunton, MA, and Alyssa S. Marcinkus and her husband Ryan of Daniel Island, SC; his step siblings, Shaun Boutwell and his wife Nicole, Chelsea Bydlinski, Elisha, Erika, and Ethan Senior; He was the proud uncle to his nephews and nieces, who will miss him dearly. Jay also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and is fondly remembered by his former girlfriend Shannon and her son, Alex. Jay was predeceased by his sister Deanna Marie Vallee in 1982. In addition to his family, Jay leaves behind a lasting legacy of work, wisdom, and kindness. He touched the lives of everyone he met with his exuberant personality from his colleagues in journalism to the many friends he made along the way. His curiosity, enthusiasm, and joy for life will be remembered by all who knew him. Calling hours will be held in the Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon St., Fitchburg, MA on Friday, January 17th from 12:00 noon – 2:00pm. Words of remembrance will be held at 2:00pm. lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jason Vallee, may be made to Joslin Diabetes Center by https://www.joslin.org/support-joslin/ways-give or by check made payable to “Joslin Diabetes Center” with “Philanthropy, 529 Main Street, 4th Floor, Charlestown, MA 02129.

Tributes

Jason R. "Jay" Vallee

February 15, 1983 - January 4, 2025