Anthony J. Valotta, 77
CLARKSBURG, Mass. - Anthony Joseph Valotta, 77, of 346 Crossroads died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002, at Williamstown Commons, where he was admitted Jan. 18. He was involved in the operations of North Adams' movie theaters, retiring as the longtime manager of the Mohawk Theater. Born in North Adams on April 3, 1924, son of Alfredo Valotta and Pauline Polizzi Valotta DiLorenzo, he attended North Adams schools. He began working at the age of 15 as an usher at the former Richmond Movie Theater.
An Army veteran of World War II, he enlisted on May 19, 1943, and served with the Cannon Troop of the 7th Cavalry Division in the Pacific theater. He served as a corporal in the battles of Luzon, Southern Philippines, New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago. He was discharged on Dec. 20, 1945.
Mr. Valotta worked at the former Paramount Theatre on Main Street after the war, becoming its assistant manager. He was later named manager of the former Mohawk Theater, operating it until it ceased operations in the mid-1980s.
He was most recently employed as a crossing guard and park policeman for the city of North Adams. He was the second person named honorary police officer for the city.
He was a lifelong communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church in North Adams, where was a longtime usher. He was a member of Frank Stiles Post 125 American Legion in North Adams and Peter Cook Post 9144 Veterans of Foreign Wars of Clarksburg. He was a former member of the Dr. George Curran Post 996 Veterans of Foreign Wars in North Adams.
He and his wife, the former Marjorie Ellen Hall, were married May 25, 1946, in St. Anthony of Padua Church.
Besides his wife, he leaves a son, Anthony Alfred Valotta of Williamstown; a brother, Joseph J. Valotta of North Adams; two stepsisters, Gena DellaGhelfa of Adams and Mary Chalifoux of Williamstown, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by two daughters, MaryAnn Valotta and Sandra Marie Valotta, and a son, William Paul Valotta, all in infancy; brothers Michael Valotta and James Valotta, sisters Marie Litano and Margaret Valotta, a stepsister, Philomena Smachetti, and stepbrother, Albert DiLorenzo.
FUNERAL NOTICE - Funeral services will take place Saturday, Feb. 2, at 9:30 a.m. at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., followed by services at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Parish Center, 64 Marshall St., North Adams. Burial in Southview Cemetery, North Adams.
Calling hours are Friday, Feb. 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are suggested.