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Donald DaValle Obituary

EEK the Clown Donald "Don" G. DaValle, "EEK the Clown", of Waterford, passed away Friday, March 29, 2013 at UPMC Hamot. Born April 2, 1930 in Erie he was the son of the late Jacob DaValle. Don worked at Firch Baking Company, Alps Manufacturing, Fort LeBoeuf School District, and most recently was a mechanic at EMTA. Known as "EEK" the Clown, Don was a clown and a magician since 1960. He along with Marvin "Peanuts" Thomas, "EEK" was a co-founder of the Erie Jolly Jesters in 1976. He also played Santa Claus at the Millcreek Mall for five years. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Blanche "Bea" DaValle, a brother, James DaValle and a grandson, Joshua DaValle. Survivors include his children: Donald A. DaValle, wife Carolyn, of Harborcreek, Joyce DaValle of Erie, John DaValle, wife Brenda, of Charlotte, N.C., Helen Shamp, husband Tony, of Waterford, Melody DaValle, and her dog CeCe, with whom Don lived of Waterford, and Carol LaFlamme, husband Tim, of Waterford; ten grandchildren, Belinda, Heidi, Jeremy, Carrie, Ryan, Denise, TJ, Carolee, Timmy, and Krista; and a great-granddaughter, Hailey. A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of his children and family. Arrangements are being handled by the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, LLP, 1595 West 38th Street at Greengarden Boulevard. Condolences and photos may be sent at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Mar. 31, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald DaValle

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Boo-Boo The Clown

April 5, 2013

Dear Friends,
I only knew Don as EEK the clown from my early clown days. I just wanted to let you know that his legacy lives on in all his red-nosed friends with the Erie Jolly Jesters. When Eek and Peanuts founded our clown alley, I am sure that they never dreamed that they would share their gift and love of clowning with so many. What a wonderful group they started.
Nearly 4 decades later we have welcomed in yet another class for Clown College.
With their prayers and inspiration from heaven, we certainly hope to continue teaching this art form and ministry; and sharing silliness and hugs for many years to come.

Thanks EEK!

On behalf of all the Erie Jolly Jesters --Boo-Boo

Ann Weber-Durlin

April 2, 2013

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

LINDA FISH

April 1, 2013

DEAR CAROL, TIM, TJ, & DENISE AND FAMILY.
WE WERE VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. I DIDN'T KNOW YOUR DAD BUT KNEW HE'D BE ILL FOR MANY YEARS. IT'S ALWAYS HARD TO LOOSE A PARENT OR FAMILY MEMBER NO MATTER HOW LONG THEY HAVE BEEN ILL. IF THERE'S ANYTHING WE CAN DO DON'T HESITATE TO ASK. WE LOVE YOU GUYS.
SINCERLY ROD AND LINDA FISH

Cindy Hunt

March 31, 2013

Sorry for your loss, Don was a very nice man. I bet him & Bea are having a big happy reunion up in heaven.

March 31, 2013

When our daughter Holly was 5 years old in 1970, all she wanter for her birthday was Donnie the clown and hot dogs and glazed donuts. HE MADE OUR DAY. You have our sympathy. We are glad you are our cousins

March 31, 2013

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

BARB CROMWELL

March 31, 2013

CAROL TIM DENISE TJ JERRY & DANIELLE
PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR DAD. HOPE ALL THE GOOD MEMORIES WILL KEEP YOU STRONG THROUGHOUT THIS VERY SAD TIME. YOUR IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS. SINCERELY BARB & KEVIN

kathy matteson

March 31, 2013

Joyce, Sorry to read about the passing of your dad. He is now in a better place. You and your family will be together again..My prayers are with you..

Chrissie Dahlquist

March 31, 2013

So very sorry for your loss; may this season of rebirth bring great healing to your hearts.

March 31, 2013

To the family
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Danny enjoyed his company so much while visiting your Mom and him. May your wonderful memories bring a smile to your face and always warm your heart.

Debby and Danny O'Brien

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