Raymond J. Wallace

Jaffrey, NH

RAYMOND J. WALLACE, 77 of Forest Park Estates, Jaffrey died Wednesday February 4, 2009 at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Jaffrey following a period of failing health.

He was born August 4, 1931 in Jaffrey, son of the late Dewey and Bertha (Chretien) Wallace.

He was a member of the class of 1951 at Conant High School attended Franklin Pierce University Evening Division and has been a life-long resident of this community.

He was a United States Army veteran and had served as a paratrooper with the 187th Airborne Regiment and the 82nd Airborne Division. While assigned to Airborne units, Ray attended the Division Jumpmaster School at Ft. Bragg NC, and was awarded Senior Parachutist Wings. Ray was a veteran of the Korean War. He served with the New Hampshire Army National Guard 210th Engineer Detachment in Peterborough. This Unit was called to active duty on October 15, 1961 during the Cuban Crisis. He retired with twenty- three years of service. He was a member and Past Commander of the John Humiston American Legion Post #11 of Jaffrey. He was especially proud of being a veteran and enjoyed marching in Memorial Day Parades.

Raymond was recognized by the State of New Hampshire for Heroism when he saved the life of a young Jaffrey youth who had fallen into the Contoocook River.

He was employed by Jaffrey Mills, Alaska Freezer, Winchendon Furniture, Clyde Felch Carpentry, the former Elite Laundry and, for twenty-two years, by Belletetes, Inc., where he managed the door shop.

In his life, he enjoyed bowling, golfing, woodworking, snowmobiling, his 1927 Model T antique car, square dancing, hat collecting and country and western music. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren, He was a regular at the Monadnock Speedway, watching his son, Dennis, race and also watching his granddaughter, Shawna ,race in Claremont. The family spent many happy summer vacations in Maine.

He was a communicant of St. Patrick Parish and had sung in the church choir for many years. He was an active member and past president of the former Holy Name Society at St. Patricks.

Survivors include his beloved wife of fifty-one years, Clarisse (Thibault) Wallace of Jaffrey; his daughter Margaret M. Davis and her husband, Richard, of Saco Maine; three sons, Marc F. Wallace of Hinsdale, Paul R. Wallace of Newport and Dennis M. Wallace and his wife, Laura, of Jaffrey; eight grandchildren: Christopher McCourt, Danielle McCourt, Marissa, Shawna, Jacob, Amanda, Samantha and Meghan Wallace, a sister, Rita Padula of Franklin, MA., nieces, nephews, close cousins and good friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Jaffrey Rindge Ambulance Service, Post Office Box 107, Jaffrey NH 03452, or to Hospice at HCS, Post Office Box 496, Peterborough NH 03458.

Spring burial will be in the family lot in St. Patrick Cemetery, Jaffrey.

At the familys request, there will be no calling hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday February 14, 2009 at 11:00AM in St. Patrick Church, 89 Main Street, Jaffrey. Rev Wilfred H. Deschamps, pastor. will officiate.