Gary Wallace
Gary Wallace
Gary was rarely idle. The kind of guy who could complete a walking mile in under 15 minutes on a regular basis or make your car so clean you could see your reflection in the door. In his early years, he worked at Barlow Chevrolet as a mechanic and cut grass on the side for extra cash. From there he moved on to ARI (Holman) where he climbed through the ranks to Manager of Licensing and Compliance. While at ARI, Gary helped them grow and expand into the global company they are today. He worked there for 44 years and only ever took 5 total sick days, a total he was very proud of. Gary was committed, not only to his job and family, but also to making sure everything in his house had a place. His home was pristine and organized like no other. If he borrowed your car, he would clean it for you, but remind you of how messy it was before he gave it back. But, Gary didn’t mind doing those types of things for others. He made sure his family had whatever they needed. He had a routine that everyone knew: work, chores, and watch Survivor. Year round Gary could be found down on Long Beach Island, a tradition he instilled in his children and grandchildren. Gary never missed a chance to take out his boat to go fishing, crabbing or clamming.
Gary was a jack of all trades, he did car detailing on the side, he was a Dad that showed up to everything, and a husband that adored his family. On the outside, Gary seemed like a tough guy, but on the inside he was a teddy bear. His teddy bear persona showed through when he became a “Pop”. Gary was never the type to enjoy having his photo taken, but that all changed when his grandkids were born. His grandkids were the center of his world. His regular walks around the neighborhood sometimes called for him to find a dollar or two on the ground, he would save up those dollars and give them to his grandkids for their piggy banks. If they wanted it, he would buy it. Being a “Pop” meant spoiling his grands.
He met the love of his life, Peggy, at a high school party. High school sweethearts, they had been together since 1979, sharing a lifetime of memories that included family trips to Disney, cruises together, and a home filled with love. Though Gary got Peggy a dog, Sully quickly became his dog.
Gary is predeceased by his parents Albert and Jean Wallace. He is survived by his wife Peggy, their children Kayla and Nicholas (Rachel), his grandkids Luciana and Nicholas, his dog Sully, and his grand-dogs Bella and Nova, along with many extended family and friends.
Come celebrate 64 great years on Friday January 30th from 9am-12pm where there will be a 12pm service at Sweeney Funeral Home, 337 Bridgeboro Street Riverside. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Riverside Township Police Association to support DelRiverPark Unity Tour team.
