| Graduation Year | Class of 1965 |
| Date of Passing | Jul 05, 2005 |
| About | Bill Valvo died in his home, resting on the family couch as he was in the habit of doing every day. Regina gave him something to eat in the morning (every day) before she went to work and noticed his total lack of appetite. He had stopped eating for almost 2 days and was not comfortable with food all of a sudden. They almost had to force him to eat little bits on a daily basis. She described his condition as getting worst than before because he had a new tumor in his head that gave him trouble. He was not able to get up and walk like he did in March when I visited him. His knee, ankle and leg problems became more severe and prevented him from standing up and walking. She said his leg was painfully swollen and when they tried to move him to different positions it gave him discomfort. It was probably the most trouble because he was always so physically active. They got a hospital bed for him and put it in the living room but Bill preferred the comfort of the couch. Regina said Bill had more headaches (another tumor had developed in his head) and he was taking some painkillers. Some attacks were more severe than others but he never complained too much. He tolerated a lot of body aches & pain internally. She said that morning of the day he died was much like all the others (giving Bill some cereal & snacks) and she went to work. Tina Valvo was returning home now every afternoon to do whatever she could to make him comfortable. Tina had given up a career in accounting with a big firm to be employed locally in the family business – just to be available for her dad’s needs. Billy Jr. also came to the house as often as possible and weekends to be with his father. It is my understanding that they had a good 4th July fireworks in the backyard and Bill enjoyed it. I would have enjoyed this visit but could not make the trip. The Hospice worker who had also assisted them in making Bill as comfortable as possible told Regina that by looking at his eyes she could estimate that Bill had a short time to live, (only weeks) to live. I never knew they could predict a death so closely? I had driven up to spend some time with Bill in January of 2005, only months before his death. He was so happy to see me and be together again to play some setback. He still had the good cards and we enjoyed outside to show me his stores. I can't tell you how much it meant to me to be able to see my best friend for a few days. It was special. See pictures of best friend, "Wild Bill Valvo."" CHS = #1Basketball player! |
