Obituaries
Michael G. Valudes, 92
December 01, 2020
Michael G. Valudes, 92, of Lancaster died peacefully surrounded by his three loving children on December 1st at 2:00pm. He was a beloved father, Papou, and friend to many.
He was born in Lancaster, PA on February 18, 1928 to the late Gust H. Valudes of Kos, Greece and Vasso (Papadopoulos) Valudes of Sinasos, Turkey. Michael was a graduate of J.P. McCaskey HS and a life-long member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Many in the community have said they looked forward to being greeted by him annually at the Greek Bazaar. He took a lot of pride in his Greek culture and this was a great opportunity for him to talk to people and share this love. He was a proud watchmaker and spent his career of 43 years at Hamilton Watch Co. His interest in watches and clocks never stopped, as his grandkids always laugh that the first thing he would do when he came to visit was check if the grandfather clock was wound, and if (by chance) it was, if the time was accurate. As a young man he was an avid softball player, exemplary bowler, and always loved dancing. Over the years, his activities and interests included collecting vintage watches and coins, watching Old Westerns, boating and tinkering with all things mechanical, especially his cars.
In the past several years you could find him daily visiting with Nicky and friends every morning at Captain Gus’s Steak Shop. He enjoyed weekly breakfast at the Lyndon diner with his son and monthly with his lifelong friends and relatives from the Greek Community. Those who knew him appreciated his sense of humor and realized his true passion was family. Michael loved time with his family more than anything. His grandchildren said “he loved with everything he had; and had the biggest heart of anyone they know. He put family above everything and never let us forget how much he loved and supported us.” He was always there to cheer for his grandkids at sporting events. Sometimes he would even sneak some cash to the kids for a good performance.
Surviving Michael are his three children, Ellen Valudes (John) Philadelphia , Diane McKissick Leonardtown MD, and Michael Valudes (Nancy) Lititz, the mother of his children Gretchen Luger Valudes, four grandchildren, Connor, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Michael and his brother, Spiros (Patricia).
He was preceded in death by his sister, Sadie Koutsougianis and parents.
Private funeral services will be held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on Monday December 7 at 10:30 am with Father Hector Firoglanis officiating. Service will be live streamed via Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Lancaster, Pa youtube page. Interment Conestoga Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 64 Hershey Ave Lancaster PA 17603
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Condolences to the Family
December 11, 2020
It was always a pleasure to see Mr. Valudes. I appreciate the many years of trust and patronage he gave to me. We enjoyed discussing our cultures and life in general. He was very proud of his children and all of his family. I enjoyed his warm greeting at the Bazaar
Frank Carano
December 09, 2020
My thoughts And prayers are with you . Sorry for your loss.
Great guy ! I always enjoyed talking with him.
Nick marinacci
December 09, 2020
My deepest condolences to Ellen, Diane and Michael and your families.I was saddened to hear your father had passed away. I remember your father from when you attended Wheatland as well as from Church. He always greeted me with a smile and conversation. He will be missed by many. May His Memory be Eternal. Charlyne Atty-Holder
December 07, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Mike. He will be missed at Valleybrook.
Trudy McComsey
December 06, 2020
Praying the Lord’s grace, peace, and strength for the Valudes family during this time of loss.
My family lived on the 700 block of Hershey Ave., directly across the street from the Valudes house. The Valudes home was a significant part of “our neighborhood” while growing up with Ellen, Diane, and Mike. We have fond memories of those years and long-lasting friendships were formed. They were (and are) “good people” and a high-quality family which is a true testament to Mr. Valudes and his legacy as we still call the Valudeses friends today!
– The Pautz Family (Mike, Lisa, and Marian)
December 06, 2020
Ellen, Mike, and Diane. Your Dad was always so warm and welcoming to us. Dan talks about his homemade ice cream all the time. 92, wow! We remember his 70th birthday party like it was only last year. Sending our love, our hugs, and our thoughts. Mark and Dan
December 05, 2020
Dear family,
We will always remember Mike with great fondness. With our sincerest sympathies, Nikita and Diana Zervanos.. May Mike’s memory be ternal
December 05, 2020
Thinking of you all at this time. Remembering fondly those days from Wheatland and the kindness of your father.
Julianne Morgan
December 04, 2020
Sorry and Prayers to Mike and his family!
Ronn Roden
December 04, 2020
I knew him since I was 5 years old, when Elle and I met in kindergarten. Such a kind soul who loved his family dearly. Prayers Ellen, Diane, Michael, Gretchen, his grandkids, and other family members. He will be missed.
Tracy Dettrey-Myers
December 04, 2020
Deepest sympathy to Ellen, Diane and Michael and their families and the extended Valudes family. Mike was such a kind, loving, incredible man and good friend to my family and me. He always had a big smile on his face and a big hug to greet you. He was always smiling! My dad was among his many lifelong friends and also a fixture at Captain Gus’ steak shop and the Lyndon Diner breakfast club. These are men I’ll never forget! Mike will be greatly missed and remembered for his love and kindness. May his memory be eternal♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Terri (Nicholaou) and Frank Francino
December 04, 2020
I’m sorry for your loss. Many fond memories growing up in that neighborhood on Hershey Ave.
Mark Dettrey
December 04, 2020
To the Vaudes children,
What a wonderful father that you had. He was kind, warm, friendly, and funny. At the bazaar, he would say to me, “You aren’t trying to cheat to get up in line?” Nope, just waiting for friends. He will be missed. May his memory be eternal. Stella & Maria Papademetriou
December 04, 2020
Maurice and sam will miss mr.valudes miss all the good times growing up on Hershey ave.
maurice S fokas&sammy
December 04, 2020
Our most heartfelt condolensces, thinking of you all in this difficult time. I never met him but really enjoed hearing his stories from Mike. Gordon, Perlita Hains & family
December 04, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Michael Valudes. I never had the privilege of meeting him, but I work with his daughter, Ellen, who is a caring, wonderful person. I am sure Michael had a lot to do with that! May God comfort you with wonderful memories of his life that was well-lived.
Kim Hartman
December 04, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Loved seeing you at Captain Gus’s
Kenny, KJ ,Kerek & Koby Myers & Suzanne Myers
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- Monday, December 07, 2020
- 10:30 AM
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