Joseph "Joe" David Valasek

Retired conservation police Sargent Joe Valasek passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 2024 at the age of 62. Joe was born and raised in Brackenridge PA, graduated from Slippery Rock University in 1983 and worked as a seasonal Park Ranger in Shenandoah National Park from 1984-1989. It was during his time with the Park Service that he was sworn in as a law enforcement officer, which was truly his calling.  He became a Game Warden with Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (currently Department of Wildlife Resources) in February of 1990. During his tenure he was a valued and decorated officer for over 34 years, being honored as Regional Game Warden of the Year in 2006. He was promoted to Sargent in 2010, serving the remainder of his career in that capacity. He retired on June 1st and had many plans for retirement. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, gardener, chef, tremendous friend, and self-proclaimed comedian. Joe donated his time every Sunday to support the efforts of the Beaverdam Food Bank. Above all, his greatest life fulfillment was being a father to his two children.

While Joe’s heart beat for the last time on June 17th, he will live on in our memories and the lives he saved through his gift of organ donation.

He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph P. Valasek and Martha (Woolslayer); his in-laws, James Francis O’Neil and Mary (Apolis); brother-in-law Paul Gidos; his grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins.  He is survived by his wife, Lucille; children, Tyler and Kristen; his sister, Cheryl Gidos; sisters-in-law, Pat (husband Tom) and Linda (husband Sebastian); and brother-in-law, Mike.  Surviving nieces and nephews, Cherie Stull (husband Wes, and children, Amber and Jared), Brian Gidos (wife Alicia, children Lindsay and Danny), Susan Coulter (husband George, and children Madisyn and Mikayla), Bryan, Kyle (wife Azure), Ian (wife Alex, and children Easton and Kenzie), Heather, Sean, Matthew, and aunts Helen Kushlock and Veronica Peters.

We welcome family and friends to a celebration of Joe’s life at Beaverdam Baptist Church, 19110 Beaver Dam Road, Beaverdam, VA 23015 on August 3, 2024 at 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Beaverdam Food Pantry PO Box 13, Beaverdam, VA 23015, where Joe volunteered weekly to reduce food insecurity in Hanover County.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service and Crematorium is assisting the Valasek family.