BRUNSWICK — Joseph Arthur “Morris” Lavallee, 63, of Dilios Drive, died at home Feb. 17.

He was born in Brunswick Sept. 1, 1952, the son of Joseph Arthur Francis Lavallee and Juliette Rose Thierrien. He attended schools in Brunswick and Bath, leaving Morse High School to enlist in the Navy in 1970. He was transferred to the Marine Corps, and was a sniper in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. After being discharged in 1973, he worked at Bath Iron Works and the Harding Plant. He honed his craft at fabrication, welding and engineering, and spent many years as a self-employed metal fabricator and craftsman.

Lavallee was a talented musician and a gifted writer. His two published works, “Cracks In the Wall” and “The Broken” were reviewed by the Maine Sunday Telegram, the Coastal Journal and The Cryer. He also hosted discussion sessions at local libraries and other venues, where he encouraged readers to discuss some of the themes raised in his books. He was especially concerned with young veterans returning home and “falling through the cracks” in the Veterans Administration system. He understood combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder from personal experience.

Lavallee was a loving father, devoted husband, and a cherished brother, uncle and cousin. His heart was as big as his personality, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Lavallee is survived by his wife, Alison Bane; a daughter, Rebecca Carabajal Lavallee,  two sons, Albin Lee Lavallee, and Mark Luro; two sisters, Connie Monroe and Priscilla Barber; a brother, Roger Lavallee and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in Lavallee’s memory may be made to the Maine Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 3415, Augusta, ME 04330.

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