Westport United States Air Force veteran who owned and operated Fall River business passes away

OBITUARY

WESTPORT – Jean Pierre Raymond Valiquette, age 93, of Westport, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Born in Fall River on April 6, 1933, he was the son of the late Hormidas Valiquette and Lauretta (Tremblay) Valiquette. Jean spent most of his life dedicated to his family, his work, and the community he loved.

A skilled cobbler by trade, Jean was the owner and operator of Ray Shoe Repair, where he became known for his craftsmanship, strong work ethic, and friendly demeanor. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and carried that sense of dedication and service throughout his life.

Jean was a lifelong member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #118 of Fall River. He was a devoted Catholic and a parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Church in Westport. In his spare time, he enjoyed yard work, fishing, and vacationing with family and friends. He found great joy in the simple pleasures of life and treasured the time spent with those he loved.

He was the beloved husband of the late Alice P. (Parent) Valiquette and the loving father of the late Jean P. Valiquette.

Jean is survived by his devoted daughter, Debra Marchand of Westport; his brothers, Joseph Valiquette of Somerset, Normand Valiquette of Fall River, Leo Valiquette and his wife Madeline of Canada, his sisters, Jeanne Sylvia of New Bedford, his grandchildren, Keith Marchand and his wife Michelle and Jeremy Marchand, and his wife Rebecca; his six great grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Alice P. (Parent) Valiquette; his son, Jean P. Valiquette; and his parents, Hormidas and Lauretta (Tremblay) Valiquette. His brother Edmond Valiquette, his sister Rita Provost, his sister in law Beatrice Valiquette, his sister in law Pauline Valiquette, and his brother in law Larry Sylvia.

Jean will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering dedication to his family, and the kindness he extended to everyone he met. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Friends and Family are cordially invited to attend a public visitation, 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM which will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at the Southcoast Funeral Homes, inside of the Ferreira Chapel, 1555 Pleasant Street, Fall River. A Funeral Home service will follow at 11:00 AM inside of the chapel. A Committal service with Military Honors presented by the United States Air Force will follow at Newport Memorial Park, Howland Avenue, Middletown, Rhode Island at 01:00 PM.

Flowers may be sent to the funeral home or donations can be made in Jean’s name to the Bristol County Veterans Association, 755 Pine Street, Fall River, MA 02720. https://thevabc.org/donate/