Sylvester S. "Terry" Valek, 85, Former Chief of Police

He was born March 26, 1919 in Cleveland and moved to Avon Lake 53 years ago.

Terry was a 1937 graduate of West Technical High School,Cleveland. At the conclusion of high school he was awarded an art scholarship to the Cooper School of An in Cleveland but was unable to attend because he had to work. He served in the U.S. Army as a Technical Sergeant with the 395th Engineer Depot Company in Europe and the Pacific from 1942-1946. He was employed in 1946 as a police officer in Avon Lake arid was appointed chief of police in 1965 until his retirement in 1977. He was the first Lorain County officer to hire a woman. Terry then worked as an investigator for the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office, Elyria from 1977-1994. As a police officer he received an Instructor's certificate in the Ohio Peace Officer's Training Program in 1967 and took part in numerous training programs as well as developing police training outlines. He also taught police science at Lorain County Community College. Terry was a talented woodworker and artist and designed the insignia which is still used on the City of Avon Lake's police cars.

He was a member of the Avon Lake United Church of Christ, where he was involved with various art projects and craft fairs. He was also a member of the fraternal order of police and the American Legion Post 211, Avon Lake. His wife describes him as a "wonderful man, father, grandfather, neighbor and compassionate giving human being".

Mr. Valek is survived by his wife of thirteen years, Ruby (nee Davidson); a son, Robert (Kathy) of Avon Lake and a step-daughter, Beth A. Baker of Avon Lake; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and a brother Stanley of Cleveland.

He was preceded in death by his first wife: Joan (nee Stark); his son, Thomas and his parents Stanley and Mary (nee Soukenik) Valek.

A memorial service will be held at the Avon Lake United Church of Christ, 32801 Electric Blvd. on Saturday, September, 25 at noon. Rev. Alana Kelley, Associate Pastor of the church will officiate. Cremation handled by Busch Crematory. Memorials may be forwarded to the Avon Lake United Church of Christ, 32801 Electric Blvd. Avon Lake, OH 44012. Arrangements handled by the BUSCH FUNERAL HOME, 163 Avon-Belden Rd. Avon Lake.

For more information, to view an on-line memorial or to send a condolence, go to www.buschfuneral.com.