HAMPTON -- Gerard J. "Rudy" Lavallee, 88, died Sunday, July 31, 2011, in Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

He was born Aug. 5, 1922, in Lawrence, Mass., the son of the late Frederick and Flora (Savart) Lavallee.

Mr. Lavallee was raised in Lawrence and moved to Hampton in 1970.

He was a graduate of Lawrence High School and was a U.S. Army veteran.

Mr. Lavallee worked for the Bedford Veterans Administration Medical Center before retiring on disability at the age of 39.

Mr. Lavallee continued to be actively employed in a variety of jobs throughout his life.

The widower of Agnes Lavallee, who died in 1983, he is survived by one daughter and her husband, Regina and Rene Bonnin of Hampton; one grandson, Terrance of Portland, Maine; one granddaughter, Maggie of Nashville, Tenn.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Roland and Hurbert Lavallee; two sisters, Sister Claire Doris (Anita) and Claire Lavallee-Duncan.

WE REMEMBER: He loved to volunteer and cook. He combined these passions by cooking for Winnacunnet High School and local bingo events.

His large vats of macaroni and cheese and soup were loved by those participating in "Rock-a-Thons" at Winnacunnet High School, and his famous whoopie pies and fruit cakes always sold out at bingo events.

He was a member of the Franco American War Veterans, the American Legion Post 35, the Holy Name Society, and the Knights of Columbus since 1977, receiving his 1st, 2nd, & 3rd degree.

In 1989, he became one of the first members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and for many years he volunteered five days a week.

It was often joked about that someday he would put a cot in the basement and move in. In 2008, Our Lady of Miraculous Medal honored him for his volunteer work by presenting him with the year's Legacy Award.

He will be remembered by his grandson for involving him in his many cooking activities and is responsible for his culinary art interests.

His granddaughter will miss the outrageous things her gramps did later in life.

His niece Stella will miss not being able to write the book they always talked about.

His cat Princess will miss him dearly.

Special thanks to the friends and family that took him on outings for lunch and trips to Foxwoods.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held Thursday, Aug. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. American Legion Post 35 services will be held at 6:30 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus service will be at 6:45 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, Aug. 5, at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 289 Lafayette Road, Hampton. Burial will follow in High Street Cemetery, Hampton. A reception will follow at the Old Salt, Route 1, Hampton.

Family flowers only.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 289 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH 03842.