Support Ron Duvall After Devastating Robbery

In just a moment’s time, life can drastically change. My dad, Ron Duvall, age 78, has found that to be true multiple times over the last couple years. The most recent being just last week…

On the morning of Wednesday, November 27, 2024 (the day before Thanksgiving), Dad arrived at his store, Valmax Jewelers in Penn Township, to open for business. Upon arrival, he instantly realized that the store had been burglarized through the night.

Immediately, the authorities were notified. In a very short amount of time, police and detectives were on the scene, assessing the situation. Very quickly, it was evident to all that this robbery was not executed by amateurs, nor was it done by just a couple individuals. This was a very organized and professional criminal group that took from my dad what he had worked so hard for 46+ years in business to build. Security wires were cut before a signal could even be sent to the security company, two safes cut open and emptied of cash, personal valuables, store inventory, as well as customers personal items that were in for repair. In addition, the showcases were emptied of everything valuable…

Heading into the store’s busiest season of the year, my dad’s store inventory was GONE. When other businesses were gearing up for the weekend of Black Friday and small business Saturday, my dad was looking at a business with no inventory to sell, as well as a store that had been ransacked. The criminals were also very destructive in the process of this cruel act. See attached pictures of some of the damage. (the picture of my dad is from a few years back)

Does the store have insurance? Yes, to cover some things. However, the loss is hundreds of thousands of dollars more than will be covered by insurance. The cost to insure a full inventory of a jewelry store is just not affordable for the average sole proprietor, especially in today’s economy.

This is a totally devastating loss for my parents. In addition to a struggling economy, the last couple years already held many challenges for them. Each of them had a cancer diagnosis. My dad‘s most recent immunotherapy treatment was just this week. Early in 2024, my mom also had a kidney obstruction, which resulted in a lengthy hospitalization and a scheduled nephrectomy (kidney removal) to take place in April. Two days before that scheduled surgery, her heart stopped at home. My dad gave her CPR and thankfully was able to save her life, as confirmed by many medical professionals. Her kidney removal was delayed, but eventually happened, along with receiving a pacemaker. During this very same timeframe, my dad‘s brother was also diagnosed with cancer and hospitalized. His brother, who is the jeweler at Valmax, along with his wife, also earn their livelihood through the store. There were times throughout 2024 when the store had to be closed or have shortened hours because of the illnesses of my dad, his brother, and my mom. On the tail of these physical battles, now they are experiencing a devastating and life-changing blow to their business.

I am starting this GoFundMe to help my dad recover from this horrific loss. We are thankful that no one was physically harmed during this robbery, but their lives are forever changed. Anything that you can do is appreciated. No gift is too small. The funds will be used for legal costs related to this devastating robbery, as well as to help with lost income and to get the store back on its feet. For those that know my dad, you know that he is a giver… he is not one to ask for anything. This will not be a comfortable thing for him, but he definitely needs help to recover from this horrible loss. Thank you.