Joseph Vijayan Vallant

Joseph Vijayan Vallant, 85, known to some as “Viji”, passed away on September 27, 2023. He was born in Kerala, India on February 23, 1938, the oldest of 13 siblings. He realized his dream of emigrating to the United States in 1965, first living in Montana. He graduated from Montana State University with a master’s degree in engineering. He married his wife, Molly, in 1969 and they went on to build a rewarding life together in the US. Joseph was working as an engineer for IBM when he moved with his wife and children to Raleigh, NC in 1988. He later took early retirement from IBM and ran a small energy management business for several years. He later started another small business, Smoky Mountain Towers, that he was passionate about.

Joseph had an adventurous spirit. He made friends everywhere he went, winning strangers over with his incredible smile. He loved the beach and traveling to new places. He was active in the Indian community. Most of all, he loved his family and spending time with them.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Molly, children Shawn and Kerry, daughter-in-law, Hannah, granddaughters Maria, Susanna, and Vidya, several siblings, nieces, and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alzheimer’s Association.

A Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Friday, October 6, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Burial followed in Raleigh Memorial Park.

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