NORWAY – Albert Charles Valsecchi, 80, of Oxford passed away Friday, Nov. 9, at Stephens Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side, after a long battle with lung and heart disease.

He was born in Springfield, Mass., Nov. 26, 1926, to Charles and Louise Valsecchi. As a youth, he delivered newspapers in his hometown. He met the love of his life, Pearl Fraser in grade school. They went on to marry and build a loving family and spend 58 wonderful years together.

At 17 years of age, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he proudly and honorably served for 22 years. During his tenure, he was the ship’s barber and store clerk. These were some of “Val” and Pearl’s favorite years. They traveled the world together. He served his later military years as a Navy recruiter in Torrington, Conn., retiring as chief petty officer.

He went to work with Stop ‘n Shop in Torrington, Conn., and went on to work as a Union organizer for the local Union 919 AFL-CIO, later working for the International division.

During this time, he and Pearl moved their family to South Paris, where they opened the Fiddlehead Market. He retired in 1980. They spent many winters in Florida. He enjoyed fishing and restoring furniture.

He was a fierce competitor with a deck of cards. Above all, his family was the most important thing to him. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl Fraser Valsecchi of Oxford; two sons, Rick Valsecchi and his wife, Lynn, of Torrington, Conn., and Mark Valsecchi and Holley Pulkkinen of Otisfield; a daughter, Holly Sessions and her husband, Sam, of South Paris; a sister, Thelma Moscarillo of Torrington, Conn.; seven grandchildren, Dawn Valsecchi, Nicole Proctor, Eric Valsecchi, Shella Sessions, Kayla Valsecchi, Danny Valsecchi and Marley Valsecchi; and dear friends, Jerry and Betty Ehlman.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Louise Valsecchi; and a son, Kym Valsecchi.

The family is grateful for the compassion of his caregivers, Dr. Love, Dr. Kumaki and the staff at Stephens Memorial Hospital.