Obituary of Gudo Lavalette

Gudo Lavalette passed away peacefully on August 18, 2018. He was 90 years old.

Born in Surabaya, Indonesia to parents Ferdinand and Marie (nee Wolf) Lavalette, Gudo grew up alongside his brothers going to high school in Jakarta and later obtained a college degree from Canisius College in Jakarta.  Gudo left Indonesia for Holland by ship as a working passenger in 1951. Upon arrival in Holland, he quickly obtained employment with a Dutch banking organization, where he met his future wife-to-be, Helena. As his relationship with Helena began, he was called up to the Dutch army where he eventually rose to the rank of Captain.  He completed his military duty in 1955, the year he married Helena, the love of his life.

Three years later, Gudo and Helena decided to pursue the American dream, travelling by boat.  Once arriving in America, they settled in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where they raised their three boys, Guy, Gordon and Duane.  He had tremendous work ethic, holding two jobs for over 18 years. He was a self-taught computer programmer for the National State Bank in Linden for 35 years, where he became the first electronic data audit programmer, ultimately in charge of the design and control of all audit programs for the bank.  He also held a second job, as night store manager with Pathmark for over 18 years. He instilled the same work ethic in his boys. After retirement, he moved to Bedminster, where he remained for 15 years before moving to Berkeley Heights two years ago.

Gudo will be remembered for his love of music, especially the stylings of Nat King Cole, and his penchant for whistling and singing. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the New Jersey Devils and New York Mets, as well as going to the horse races. Above all, Gudo loved to spend time with his family.

Gudo is predeceased by his parents, Ferdinand and Marie, his brothers Hans, Richard, and Edwin, and his cousin Hari Lavalette; he is survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Helena (nee Muller), his sons Guy (Piera), Gordon (Gail), and Duane (Jennifer), and his grandchildren, Nicholas, Daniel, Alyssa, Matthew, Jessica, and Christina Lavalette.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 21, from 5-8 PM at the Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Road, Mendham. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, August 22, at 10 AM at the Bailey Funeral Home in Mendham. Donations in Gudo's name can be made to the Chron's & Collitis Foundation, at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, National Processing Center, PO Box 1245, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9976, or online at http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org.