Val Madis, 75, of Sylvan Beach

SYLVANBEACH >> Val Madis, 75, of Sylvan Beach and Anna Maria Island, and formerly of HoHo-Kus, N.J., passed away unexpectedly on April 8, 2017.

He was born in Tallinn, Estonia, on Aug. 21, 1941, the son of the late Valdemar and Ilona Primusz Madis. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Rutgers University and served in the Army National Guard from 1966-1970. On Aug. 24, 1968, he married the love of his life, Nancy Commerford, in Rome. Together they shared a blessed union of 48 years.

Val and his father founded Dr. Madis Lab- oratories in South Hackensack, N.J. He retired in 2005.

Val loved to travel with his wife and spending winters in Anna Maria Island. He loved being on his boat, was an avid reader, enjoyed photography, and was always interested in the latest tech gadget. Val spent the majority of his time surrounded by his loving family. He was affectionately referred to as Pop Pop by his eight grandchildren. He never missed an event his grandchildren were involved in. His selflessness and generosity will never be forgotten.

Surviving besides his loving wife, Nancy, are four daughters and sons-in-law, Kristin and Tim Kallet of Oneida, Heidi and Matthew Rush of Oneida, Lisa and John Zamperetti of Oneida and Bethany and Jason Rattray of Ft. Johnson, N.Y.; eight cherished grandchildren, Benjamin and Jack Kallet, Nolan and Sophia Rush, Anna and Alex Zamperetti, and Zachary and Tyler Rattray; two sisters-in-law, Carol Owens of Clinton and Jean Nowicki of Rome; two brothers-inlaw, Gerry Commerford of Lewisburg, Pa., and Donald Quest of New York City; and several wonderful nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many wonderful friends, including Dave and Mary Lou Gorman, who they met on their honeymoon. He was predeceased by his sister, Ilona Quest; and a sister-in-law, Margo Commerford.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 19 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Sylvan Beach. Family and friends are invited to call at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome, on Tuesday, April 18 from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Val’s memory may be made to the Val Madis Memorial Technology Award, c/o Heidi Rush, 3797 Highland Ave., Oneida N.Y. 13421.

You may light a candle, send a message of sympathy and view the obituary at www.nunnandharper.com