John J. Valmas

John James Valmas, Jr., 70, of Brighton, MA, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2025. A bird watcher and nature lover, John found happiness in simple pleasures and was often described by his mother as “a lover not a fighter.” His hobbies included consuming cannabis, habitually losing his phone in the Charles River while kayaking with the Community Boating Club, playing the ukulele and bongo drums, and cheering on his beloved Boston Celtics. He was also a member of and frequent visitor to the Museum of Fine Arts where he loved roaming the galleries and soaking in the art. Though he made Boston his home, he remained deeply connected to his roots in Bronxville, NY—attending his 50th high school reunion in 2023 and keeping up with old friends on social media. He also loved visiting New York City, catching Broadway shows, and feeding wildlife in Prospect Park.

A lifelong champion of the working class, John was a proud union organizer during his tenure at the Waltham Watch Factory. As a cab driver of 25 years, he knew Boston's labyrinthine streets like the back of his hand and could always find ways around the dreaded Red Sox traffic, with his own trusty bat under the seat in case things got out of hand. He had an enthusiastic and unfiltered presence on Facebook, where he shared his thoughts—often in abundance—but always with heart. Beneath the lively commentary were steadfast values: a belief in universal health care, environmental protection, a higher minimum wage, and taxing the rich.

Above all, John’s greatest joy was his family. His favorite thing in the world was spending time with his grandkids and getting the whole family together. He is survived by his daughter Alyssa, also of Brighton; his son Daniel of Brooklyn, NY; his daughter Aubrey of Sanford, ME; Aubrey’s children, Dominic and Conner Badeau; and his sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne and Roger McNeil of Wedowee, AL. He was predeceased by his daughter, Shalom Ginsburg, and his partner of 12 years, Svetlana Vilnits. He was preceded in death by his parents, John James Valmas, Sr. and Anna Faye (Alexander) Valmas. He also leaves behind two cats, Alvin and Chyna, who have been lovingly taken in by family.

Services will be private, with a celebration of life planned for later this spring. More details will be posted on his Facebook page at facebook.com/john.valmas.7. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Luigi Mangione Official Defense Fund. He would have endorsed this wholeheartedly. For his guest book please visit www.lehmanreen.com

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