A leader. A scholar. A devout Catholic. Anthony “Tony” Valliere was remembered Thursday as a role model for both his siblings and his fellow midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy.
“Today is not a day of sorrow, but a celebration of a life of a remarkable man,” said Valliere’s brother Benedict. “He did what he loved to do, and brought up those around him ? and did everything with a smile.”
Valliere, a 21-year-old second class (junior) midshipman, was honored during a funeral ceremony at the academy’s chapel, then buried at the academy’s cemetery.
The Palatine, Ill., native died Jan. 26 when he crashed his motorcycle on Interstate 270 in Gaithersburg.
Valliere was considered a potential leader in the25th Company of the brigade, and was majoring in mechnical engineering.
“A lot of the members of his company said they owed half of their [grade-point averages] to Tony,” said Marine Maj. Michael Johnson, the company?s commanding officer.
“He was smart, gifted, athletic and selfless ? everything the Naval Academy is looking for its midshipmen.”
Johnson said he and his company are coping with their fellow midshipman’s death.
Hundreds of midshipmen and others gathered at the chapel for the funeral ceremony.
Following the ceremony, Valliere’s casket was placed in a hearse that led a processional to the cemetery grounds, while members of the 25th Company marched behind.
Valliere had always wanted to join the academy, his brother said. His father is a Navy captain.
Academy Chaplain Peter McGeory said Anthony Valliere never missed a Sunday Mass, “which is a bit unusual for a second-class midshipman.”
“We can’t begin to fathom the pain you’re going through at a time like this,” McGeory said.
