Mr. Richard Peter Valley, 85, a resident of the Oneida Center Nursing facility in Utica, formerly of Wisconsin and the North Country, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the Oneida Center.

     Richard was born in Prairie du Chien, WI, on June 24, 1938, the son of Peter Clarence and Marjorie Valley. He was raised and educated in Wisconsin, where he graduated high school in 1957 with top honors. After graduation, Richard enlisted and proudly served in the United Sates Navy, from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1961. As a first lieutenant and sonar technician, he served aboard the destroyer USS Americana. After his time in the Navy, Richard continued his education at the Culinary Arts School in Wisconsin, graduating as a chef.  Richard was employed as a cheese maker and inspector in Wisconsin and also worked in the paper mills in Nekoosa, WI. Richard was a keyboard player, guitarist and lead singer in the Sour Notes country western band. He enjoyed listening to records, dancing, playing his keyboard and harmonica, making necklaces and bracelets out of beads as well as other arts and crafts and he was a gifted colored pencil drawing artist. He was also a huge Green Bay Packers fan, was fortunate and pleased to have met President Harry Truman and most importantly, was extremely proud of his Sioux Indian heritage, often talking about how his grandmother Maggie was 100 % Indian.  

     Mr. Valley is survived by his dear friends, David and Lisa Guccione. He was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Gilkes.

     In keeping with Richard’s wishes, there are no calling hours or services. He will be laid to rest with his father, in Calvary Cemetery in Prairie du Chien, WI.

     A heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff at United Helpers Maplewood in Canton, Riverledge in Ogdensburg, Samaritan Summit Village in Watertown and Oneida Center in Utica, for the wonderful care you provided to Richard.