Name: Visitation for John Lavelle Jr.
Start: 2025-03-30T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-03-30T18:00:00.000Z
Location: J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel

John Lavelle, Jr. CHARLESTON - John Louis Lavelle, 87, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Mary Lee Demetre Lavelle, died Wednesday, March 26, 2025 in Roper Hospital after a long illness. He was born on January 17, 1938. He was predeceased by his parents, John L. Lavelle, Sr. and Alma Louise Condon Lavelle, and his brother, Joseph M. Lavelle. He was married to Mary Lee Demetre Lavelle for over 51 years. He had two children, Paul C. Lavelle (wife, Gillian and daughter, Liesel) and Rachelle Mary Lavelle. He was so proud of his only grandchild. He is survived by his brother, Thomas C. Lavelle (Mary) and many nieces and nephews. He was devoted to his family. John was very active in his home church, The Church of the Nativity, where he served as a lay Eucharistic minister, lecturer, and on the Finance Council. He never missed a Sunday Mass unless sickness held him back. He was a devout Christian and spent much time reading spiritual books and literature. His priorities were God first and his family next. He was a very Godly person. He graduated from Bishop England High School, where he was President of his senior class and later President of Bishop England High School Alumni Association. He attended St. Bernard's Seminary and graduated from Belmont Abbey College. He worked in insurance and investments for over 50 years. For most of those years, he was with Mass Mutual prior to his retirement. During his career he received many awards. Most notably of those was as a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, National Quality Award, National Sales Achievement Award, and the Mass Mutual President's Club. His community activities included The Hibernian Society, the German Friendly Society, Quis Qui Club, and his poker club. In his earlier years, he served as President of the Optimist Club of Charleston, United Way Board chairman, President of Charleston Heart Fund, President of Family Services Agency, Charleston Life Underwriters Board of Directors, President of the Lions Club of Charleston, a member of the Trident Chamber of Commerce, and was involved in prison ministry. He was an active member of the Country Club of Charleston for 48 years and enjoyed spending Friday evenings with Mary Lee at the bar socializing. John's family thanks Chris Hawk, MD, Elizabeth Smith, MD, the nurses of Roper Hospital, and Roper Hospice for their kindness and compassion while in Roper Hospital. Additionally, we thank Johns Island Post Acute facility for their care and attention. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 31, 2025 in The Church of the Nativity at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel on Sunday, March 30 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to one's church or charity of choice. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Mar. 28 to Mar. 29, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for John Lavelle

Sponsored by J. Henry Stuhr Downtown Chapel.

13 Entries

Dr. Kathy Heinsohn

March 31, 2025

I'm so sorry to read of John's passing. He was such a great friend to my parents (Frank and Peggy Heinsohn). And he was always so nice to us kids. My dad knew him from growing up in downtown Charleston and playing sandlot half rubber and baseball. He told me about it at my dad's funeral. He was also in the Optimist club with my dad. But, he was so genuine and generous and just a very good man who had a few hard things happen in his life but didn't let that stop him. Much love and sympathy at this difficult time to the family. Prayers.

Bob & Chloe S. Huddleston

March 30, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with Rachelle and her family at this difficult time. May you find comfort in all your tender memories.

Mr. and Mrs. James DeVeaux jr.

March 30, 2025

John LaVelle was the kindest most Charleston Charlestonian. From his beautiful accent to his humor and loyalty to family, he was a treasure to this world and a pleasure to be around. He will be missed.

Elizabeth Wade

March 30, 2025

Mary Lee, Paul and Rachelle
So very sad to learn of John´s passing. You are in our prayers. May his memory be eternal
Elizabeth and Mike Wade

Mary Ann Taylor

March 29, 2025

We are so sorry to learn of the passing of John. May the family find comfort in the fact that John had a great life and left a great legacy. Mary Ann, Eddie and Kyle Taylor

Karen Walto

March 29, 2025

Rachelle,
You nursed your Father with much love and respect.
You stayed by his side...read, played spiritual hymns.
We pray for you and your Precious Family for peace and understanding.
You now have a Special Angel looking over you.
We send our condolences to you and your Precious Family.
Karen and Joe Walto

elizabeth orlando allen

March 29, 2025

dear mary lee and family my thoughts and prayers are with you

Sam T K Kaplan

March 29, 2025

I met John and Mary Lee through their involvement with The Christian Jewish Council of Charleston and the Lowcountry until I was no longer able to participate. Mary Lee served as President and John was always supportive and equally committed. They were always such a pleasure to be around. May his memory be a blessing.

Sam T KIRSHTEIN Kaplan

Alma Runey

March 29, 2025

So very sorry about John. He is now at peace. Such a wonderful individual! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

John Rodgers, Jr

March 29, 2025

Mr. Lavelle was a friend of my Dad. As a young boy, I remember how kind he always was when i would see him.

Ellen and Hugh Durrence

March 29, 2025

John will be missed by many, he was a very fine friend, Ellen and Hugh Durrence

Trich Schellman

March 29, 2025

God's comfort to Rachelle and her family and for the repose of John's soul.
Much love
Trich

Jackie Morfesis

March 28, 2025

Memory eternal to a righteous, gracious, man of faith. I will always hold you dear in my heart. You are a pillar of moral strength. Your love for the Lord was boundless and service to His children part of your calling. You shared your friendship with me and your wisdom. I will remember you telling me about "holy moments." We shared a love for serving the incarcerated, knowing that our Lord came not for the whole but for the broken. He came for us all.

I am blessed that I was able to pray with you and hold your hand sharing the prayers of St. Padre Pio knowing your strong Catholic faith. Thank you for being my friend and welcoming me into your home, again and again. I know you are in the arms of the Faither and will hear the words that we all long to hear: "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

I also know this, you were not only an inspiration to me but to many.

God bless and hold Mary Lee, Rachelle, Paul, and his family, and all your loved ones.

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