Visitation: Friends may call on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 AM in St. Philip Church, 25 France Street or 1 Father Conlon Place, Norwalk. Burial: Burial will follow the services in Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Avenue, Norwalk.
Nick Vallas
October 28, 1989 - October 9, 2011
Nick Vallas, who died suddenly at age 21 early Sunday morning, was a son, a cousin, brother, lacrosse player, recent graduate of a fine university, member of Beta Theta Pi, a film maker by profession and, to judge by the outpouring of shock and grief from scores of friends and relatives across the country and in Europe, he was a young man who touched a surprising number of lives in his brief stay on Earth.
In an environment where seasoned professionals spend months or years seeking work, Nick made his way into the notoriously difficult movie business and progressed to the level of Second Assistant Director on a series of motion pictures while his fellow graduates were still thinking about getting their resumes together.
A lover and player of rugby, football, hockey, lacrosse, and all the rough sports, Nick picked up golf and, self-taught, within two years was playing consistently in the 80′s. A lover of all sports, Nick also had refined taste in film and story construction and was chosen to read and evaluate Hollywood scripts for John Malkovich, Denis Leary, and others.
He will be remembered by his friends and all who knew him for his quick wit, his inherent good nature, and his fierce loyalty.
Nick is survived by his mother Mary, his father Dean, his two brothers Paul and George, his cousin Anastasia, aunt Nanette, and grandmother Mary, together with numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles in Ireland.
Nick trod lightly on this earth while he was here and those who loved him hope the earth will lie just as lightly on him now.
Friends may call on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 AM in St. Philip Church, 25 France Street or 1 Father Conlon Place, Norwalk. Burial will follow the services in Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Avenue, Norwalk.
Dean, Mary, Nanette, Anastasia, and sweet Grandmother Mary,
It is beyond words, the stunning news of this tragedy and the heartache and grief I know is all-consuming with the loss of your very special Nick. I am hearing remarkable things about him from all over the community.
I have had such a special place in my heart for the Vallas/Vochis families since we first met in the ’80s and my regard for you all has never wavered. You are such a good and loving family who’ve endured your share of heartache. I pray for you comfort, strength, and ultimately peace in these very difficult days ahead. My heart hurts for you. Truly.
love, judie blue
My condelences, I did not know Nick, but I understand he was a fine young man-he is in my heart and prayers. God Bless Him
Jim Lyons
Norwalk High Lacrosse Team 75 & 76
Norwalk Lacrosse Association Board Member
Head Coach NJL U15 Team
We are shocked beyond belief. We loved your Nick so much. His smile would light up a room. He was an amazing person. We will remember him in our prayers always. We will never forget him. All our Love, The Mclachlan’s – Mike, Billy, Bill and Cathy.
Grieve not..nor speak of me with tears..but laugh and talk of me…as though I were beside you…We loved you so..’twas Heaven here with you.
We are thinking of you all at this terrible time,
Sincere sympathies, our prayers are with you.
Mary, Joe, Aimee, Carina and Ian Conroy
Blanchfields Park, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland.
11/10/11
I loved Nick so much. He was a wonderful student. This must be so difficult for all of you. I have nothing but fond memories of your entire family….especially Nick. I’m praying that God gives you the strength needed to carry on. May your wonderful memories sustain you. Nick is forever in my heart. Love, Dianne Guhl (Tracey School)
Sincerest sympathies Mary to you and your family at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Margaret, Sean, Barry and Evan.
Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there…I do not sleep. I am the thousand winds that blow…I am the diamond glints on snow…I am the sunlight on ripened grain…I am the gentle autumn rain. When you waken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush. Of gentle birds in circling flight…I am the soft star that shines the night. Do not stand at my grave and cry – I am not there….I did not die. (Irish Prayer) Nick – My heart is heavy. Kathy Lanzaro
I am so sadden to hear about Nick. I know we haven’t seen Nick for many years, but I will always remember his sweet personally. Please accept our deepest condolence.
Mary, We are so very very sorry to hear about Nick.We remember him well from we visited you from Boston in 2002. Such a sweet child he was then and no doubt an equally sweet adult. We are all gutted for you here in Ireland and are thinking of you all. Our hearts go out to you at this dreadful time.
Neil Kenealy and Sinéad O’Kane
Mary & Family, such sad news.
Mary & Family, such sad news. We are all thinking of
you at this time. May his soul rest in peace.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
All of your co-workers and friends at The Greens have you and your family in their thoughts and prayers. Please accept our
sincerest sympathy and condolences at this difficult time. We are all so sorry for your loss.
Love, Your co-workers & friends at The Greens.
Mary
We are so horrified, shocked and saddened by your great loss. I have just read about Nick, what a fine sportsman he was, his quick wit, good nature and loyalty. How succcessful he was in his career at such a young age. Mary, I can’t imagine your pain. With deepest sympathy to you, George, Paul and Dean at this terrible time.
Chris, Dave, Dave & Ed
The Vallas Family,
My sincerest condolences go out to the family during this difficult time. Nick was a very kind person and all around fine gentlemen. I graduated with Nick this past June in the Humanities graduation, he was sitting just two seats next to me. He had such great potential and I am saddened that he was taken so early. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, and my heart goes out to you. May he rest in peace.
Our condolences to the Vallas family. We fondly remember Nick when he was a student at West Rocks.
“When you feel lonely,
When a person you love passes away
Look to the night sky on a clear day.
The star, that to you, appears to be bright,
Will be your loved one,
Looking upon you during the night.
The lights of heaven are what what shows through
As your loved one watches all that you do.
When you feel lonely for the one that you love,Look to the Heavens in the night sky above.”
Dear Mary,
The bond between a mother and child will never be broken. Love endures forever.
From Genesis 31:49 – “And Mizpah; for he said, the LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent from one another.”
With my deepest sympathy, I am praying for you and your family.
Nancy Castellana
I am very thankful for Nick. If it wasn’t for Nick, I would never have met anyone at Imaginarium/Penny Dreadful, I would not have been working on these projects with the group and I would not have been touched and advanced. Nick has done a lot for me in only a month and in his time has done much for many others. Nick’s professionalism is top notch and is very rare for people our age. I looked up to Nick and had a lot of respect for him, I still do and he is a model for us to follow. My best wishes go out to you and your family.
My heart goes out to you and your family. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
A. Almonacy
Dear Mary ,
So sad ,So sorry ,such a terrible tragedy, sincerest sympathies , am thinking of you ,George and Paul .
my deepest sympathy
Brigid and family
Dear Dean, Mary, George and Paul,
Dean, my old friend, please accept our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy for you and your family in these dark hours before the dawn. The sun WILL shine again.
King Hoppel – Barbara Hansen
Dean,
On behalf of the entire class of 1971, we send our deepest and sincere sympathy. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are all thinking of you!
Dean, although I have been away from Norwalk many years, I remember you fondly. This is something no parent should have to endure. I won’t pretend to know what you and your family are going through. From what I’ve read about Nick he sounds like a fine young man, taken from this earthly plane much too soon; God must have even bigger plans for him. My prayers are that God brings strength and healing in this time of need.
Dean, so sorry to hear of your loss. God Bless you and your family.
Dean,
This is a time when words are inadequate. May your son’s memory be a source of blessing and comfort for you and your loved ones, and may we only have happy events to share in the future.
Carol Kozak
Mrs. Vallas, Paul, and George… I am so sorry for your loss.
Nicky was a great kid! We all shared so many childhood and neighborhood memories that are irreplaceable!
I pray that God comfort and keep you all during your time of need…
Love you guys…
Tasheedah (Tee- Tee) Roberts and Family