March 27, 1936 — Aug. 25, 2014

Richard “Dick” Leon Valzonis, 78, of Berrien Springs, passed away peacefully at home Aug. 25, 2014, surrounded by family.

A time of visitation with the family will be from 4 – 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs. Online messages may be left at www.allredfuneralhome.com. Donations in Dick’s memory may be made to Hospice at Home.

Dick was born March 27, 1936, in Chicago, the son of John and Joan (Bradakis) Sarantos. In 1946 he was chosen “Boy of America” by the Chicago Boys Club of America and was presented a plaque by Bob Hope. He proudly served his country with the United States Army, with an honorable discharge in 1959. Dick was an avid fisherman and a well-known electrician who did work for many local businesses, as well as his employment with Clark Equipment and French Paper Company.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Donna Stark, whom he married on October 11, 1960, in Buchanan. Also surviving are two daughters, Rhonda Valzonis-Wise and Susann Hendryx; grandchildren, Dustin Valzonis, Christopher and Jacob Hendryx, Derek and Autumn Wise; great-grandchildren, Kaylynn Wycoff and Christopher Eugene Hendryx; sisters, Linda (Warren) Hand and Mary (Ron) Anderson; and brothers, Robert (Mary) Valzonis and Phillip Valzonis.

Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Valzonis; and brother, Donald Valzonis.