Naples, FL…

Arthur E. Valaskatgis, age 87, of Naples, Fl and Salem, MA, husband of Anna (Vontzalides) Valaskatgis, with whom he shared 26 years of marriage, died Thursday, February 17, 2011 in Naples, Fl. He was predeceased by his first wife, Josephine (Lanzilotti) Valaskatgis .

Born in Salem, MA the son of the late Emmanuel and Malamato (Voudouris) Valaskatgis, he was raised and educated in Salem schools graduating from Salem Vocational School. Mr. Valaskatgis then joined the United States Navy during WWII having served aboard the USS Intrepid with Torpedo Squadron 10. A decorated veteran he had been recognized for his service with medals including the Combat Aircrew Insignia with 3 Stars.

Following his discharge, Mr. Valaskatgis first worked for C.F. Hallins, then became proprietor of Loring Avenue Auto Electric for 40 years until his retirement. He had also owned Broadway Auto Mart for many years.

An active member of the Greek Orthodox Church, Mr. Valaskatgis was a member of St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox church and its men's club in Peabody. When he began visiting Florida, he also joined St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church and its men's club in Naples, Fl. He also was a lifetime member of the Palmers Cove Yacht Club, The Veteran's of Foreign Wars, and the B.P.O.E. Elks of Naples, Florida.

Mr.Valaskatgis is survived by three children, Christine Wright of Salem, Paul Valaskatgis and his wife Nan of Salem and Diane O'Keefe and her husband Joseph, Jr. of Salem; seven grandchildren Sarah ( Wright) Liberato of Michigan, and Jeffery Wright; Nicole Valaskatgis and Athan Valaskatgis; Jillian O'Keefe, Alyssa O'Keefe, and Amy O'Keefe; Three great grandchildren Michael Liberato and Samuel Liberato; and Nathan Ambrozavitch, Jr., many nieces and nephews, and his brothers in law and sisters in law.

Arthur was and avid boater and Arthur and Anna took great pleasure entertaining everyone aboard their boat the "My Way". Arthur enjoyed traveling with his wife Anna and cherished spending time with with his family and friends.

He was predeceased by two brothers Nicholas "Nick" Valaskatgis and Costantine "Connie" Valaskatgis and a sister Elita (Valaskatgis) Gargas.

His funeral will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM from the Murphy Funeral Home , 85 Federal St. (Cor. of North St.) Salem to be followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM in St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Paleologis St., Peabody, MA 01960. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Internment will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody,,. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Paleologis St., Peabody, MA 01960-4452 or St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 7100 Airport Pulling Rd., North Naples, FL 34109 or Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Ln., Naples, FL 34105. For online guest book or additional information, please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.