Obituary of Joseph Wallace

WALLACE- Joseph A. Wallace, age 86 of Oxford, beloved husband of the late Audrey M. Link Wallace, died peacefully on November 29, 2013 in his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Bridgeport on February 10, 1927, he was the son of the late Joseph A. and Stella Coolidge Wallace. Mr. Wallace was raised in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, a graduate of St. Ann's Grammar School and was often found at St. Mary's by the Sea, a place he held dear his entire life. Following his graduation from Bassick High School, at the age of 17, Mr. Wallace enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1946 at the rank of Motor Machinist's Mate 3rd Class. Mr. Wallace was a career Fire Fighter for 27 years with the Bridgeport Fire Department, retiring in 1976 at the rank of Lieutenant. Simultaneous with his fire service, Mr. Wallace worked as a master carpenter and following his retirement, began a second career in construction with the James Dwyer Construction Co., retiring in 1986. He will be long remembered for his tireless work ethic, love of his family and passion for wood carving, particularly his meticulously hand carved eagles. Proud of his Navy service, Mr. Wallace was a lifelong member of the V.F.W., Post #9460, Stratford and Bridgeport Association of Retired Firefighters (B.A.R.F.) He is survived by his devoted children, Keith J. (Judy) Wallace and Lesley (Pasquale) DiCocco of Trumbull; cherished grandchildren, Madelyn Wallace of Oxford, Krista and Michelle DiCocco of Stratford and Lauren DiCocco of Trumbull; and great-granddaughters, Audrina and Allysa DeLeo. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a sister, Marion Sheehan. Mass of Christian Burial, (MEETING DIRECTLY AT CHURCH) will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, at 11:00 AM in St. Ann's Church, 481 Brewster St., Bridgeport. Entombment with Military and Fire Department Honors will directly follow in the Chapel Mausoleum of St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. At his request, there are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the CT Burn Cares Foundation to benefit the Children's Burn Camp, 601 Boston Post Rd., Milford, CT 06460 or to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia, is in care of Arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.