Danville, NH: Stephen J. Lavallee, Sr., 63, a resident of Danville for the last six years, died peacefully on January 5, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a long and courageous battle with pulmonary disease.

Born in Methuen, Massachusetts, son of the late Louis and Nancy (Martino) Lavallee, he was raised and educated in Lawrence, graduating Lawrence High School with the Class of 1971.

A former thirty-five year resident of Salem NH, Stephen owned and operated  Lavallee's Transmission service of Methuen and Lawrence for over three decades and then established TEST Research Co. and consulted for major auto companies including Ford Motor Co., Superior Transmission Parts, TransGo, TRNW, ATSG and ALTO.

He traveled nationally and internationally as a speaker for several automotive associations and groups and was a writer for Transmission Digest.

Stephen had a passion for cars, boats and motorcycles and enjoyed racing his 1967 Chevelle SS at the New England Drag Way, spending time with family and friends on Lake Winnipesaukee in his Formula 242, and traveling around on his Harley-Davidson.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of forty-two years, Nancy (Anita) Lavallee, his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen J. Lavallee, Jr, and Erica "Rikki" Lavallee of Meredith, two brothers, Mark Lavallee and Paul Lavallee, a sister Cindy Lavallee, his three grandchildren, Reagan, Sydney, and Reece, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, and his favorite feline friend Gemma. He was predeceased by his brother Richard Lavallee and his faithful Jack Daniels dog, JD.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Life Celebration to be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow, NH. His funeral service will be held at 3:15 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to Salem Animal Rescue League, 4 SARL Drive, Salem, NH or to The American Lung Association, 1661 Worcester Rd. Framingham, MA .