Condolence: Dear Carole, Jen, & Alan - I still think of him and the smile he had for everyone in the family, and his kindness to all. Pls. keep in touch. Love Sue & Shep

Condolence: Dear Carole, Oh My... We are so very deeply saddened by the shocking news of the passing of your John. Lori joins us with our most sincere condolences to you, Jen and family and your son and family. With warmest thoughts and prayers, Day & Bob Gotschall

Condolence: We are very sorry to hear about John's passing. It seems like yesterday when we met at Boston's Logan airport when you were on your way to San Diego, CA and we were leaving for Naples, FL. I remember the many years we commuted together every day from Marblehead to Polaroid in Cambridge sharing good times and comaraderie. Those are good times to remember. May John resst in peace.

Condolence: Dear Jen & Carole I was so sorry to hear from Libby that your dad/John had passed away. I know it's too soon for you to lose him. Please accept my condolences on your lose..

Condolence: John and I worked together in the Law and Patent Department many, many years ago, first when I was Judy Price, then Judy McIsaac. We were fortunate to be part of the "good old days" at Polaroid. I remember his sweet grin and his love for and pride in his family. I can't recall the event, but I vividly remember John and Carole dancing to Mustang Sally and having a wonderful time. I am saddened to hear of his passing and send my sincere condolences to his family.

Condolence: I will always remember John's warmth, good humor, and steady perspective. I am sad that I didn't get to see more of John in recent years, and to let him see how our family was coming along. He made the world a better place, and I count myself lucky to have known him.

Condolence: Dear Carole, I'm so sorry to learn of John's death and regret that we were not able to get together in recent years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Condolence: I am very sorry to hear of John's passing. I worked with him at Polaroid on a variety of projects involving emerging digital imaging technology. He was our legal counsel and trusted advisor for many engineering and manufacturing issues. I will always remember his good sense of humor and friendship. My sincere condolences to the entire family. Rest in peace my friend. Rick Pendleton (Polaroid 1978-2003)

Condolence: Dearest Carole, Jennifer, Alan and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Love, Alan and Selma

Condolence: Dear Carole, Alan, Jen & Family, I met John in 1980 at Cloutman's Boatyard, Marblehead, poking around sailboats. John and his pipe, 2 kids in tow, smiled as he dreamed about the small sailboats. We moored our small boats side by side for 2 decades as we watched Alan & Jen grow up. We later enjoyed pen collecting as John lead the way for me. When Colton was born, John said that grandchildren made him very happy. Finally, we shared many good times riding our motorcycles together to NH, ME, CT, NY, NJ, PA, VA, NC & TN. I was not ready to lose John so soon. We still had lots to do. His family should know that we will miss John very much. Thanks for everything, John, Love, Mark & Carol MacRae

Condolence: Carol, My sincere condolence on your loss. I was saddened to hear of John's passing and am so sorry that I did not have a chance to reconnect after returning to Marblehead. John was a wonderful man and I will always remember him.

Condolence: Carol, We want to express our sincere condolences at this very difficult time. I knew John since junior high school and can not say enough about what a great guy he was. He will be missed by many, but he left a great legacy and that will hopefully be a comfort to you and your children. Rest in peace John. Saundra and Lester Swartz

Condolence: Dear Carole, Jennifer, Alan, and family, jimmy,myself and our entire family want to send you our most heartfelt sympathy.

Condolence: Jodie and I send our condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sudden and difficult time. I'm at a loss for words, but one thing does come rushing back into vivid clarity that someone said to me when my mother passed away. Your father lives on forever in you, your children and your memories. His influence on your life and in all who knew him is everlasting. We all have been graced by knowing him. Think about that when you give your kids and extra hug tonight and when you look into their eyes you will see a part of him gazing back.

Condolence: John was one of the first people I met in the pen collecting community.... His warmth, generosity, and good humor misled me to think that all pen collectors are great people. I soon realized he was a special person. His presence at club meetings and shows always brought out the best in people. When people couldn't understand my taste in pens, John would look at me with that twinkle in his eye and share his understanding and support for my aesthetic. I have one of his favorite pens in my collection: a smooth sterling overlay Moore safety. The pen is much like John: simple, honest, and tastefully understated. It will always remind me of him, and the many hours of good cheer he shared with me and the others at those gatherings.

Condolence: I was so sorry to hear about John's passing. I knew him from the pen collecting community. He brought his friendliness, good humour and intelligence to the group, and was very generous with his advice to new collectors. He made every gathering we had a little better. He and Carol opened their home to our motley crew, and helped with the shows held in Boston. He will be greatly missed.

Condolence: Carol and family I was shocked and saddened to hear about my friend JV. He just e mailed me and sent pics of Cole and Parker Mae playing basketball and told me he was getting ready to come back to work at c128 and had lots of stories to tell me. I loved his stories about his family especially Miss Brookie Cole and Parker Mae. I will miss his stories his smile and him . I do have the pics he sent me of his California Kids and I will make sure you get them Carol. Sherrill Mogauro.

Condolence: Dear Nancy & Family, On behalf of all the staff and management at Motorcycle Riding School, please accept our sincerest sympathy. John will be greatly missed. John's ability to bring joy to all who met him is a gift we will carry with us. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Christine

Condolence: "The Voice of Reason" is how I termed John Vale as he always seemed to provide me with what was needed: An objective eye on the chaos that seemed to befuddle me. No this isn't referring to his keen legal mind, but helping me understand the whacky characters that exist in the vintage fountain pen collecting world. "Let me say this about that," he'd begin, then, in a sentence or two, all would be clear to me. The characters in our hobby were still whacky, but I got the insight I needed when organizing the local Commonwealth Pen Club meetings or annual International Pen Show. Upon a recap of any given show, most would speak of the great bargains they got, how much money they spent or made, or how well the pens wrote, but John seemed to delight as much if not more in just getting to know the people with whom he traded or sold. I feel very fortunate in visiting with him a couple months ago. He wanted to "trade" back a pen he got from me a decade or two previously. (John would often come to my aid and buy a pen from my collection when I needed the cash for something unimportant like my electric bill or mortgage.) On this last visit he again spoke not of the pens, but of the people we both knew who enriched the hobby. I'll cherish the pen I got back from him and the memories of his "voice of reason" but mostly his beaming smile.

Condolence: Carole and family, Nancy and I were saddened to hear of Johns passing. He was a good friend and I will miss chatting with him on the motorcycle range. We'll miss our dinner at Woodmans with you both, it was something which was very much looked forward to. Please know you are in our prayers at this difficult time. Stan and Nancy Cotreau Billerica MA