Vincent J. Wallace Jr.

October 26, 1931 - October 9, 2019

Vincent John Wallace Jr. age 87, died at his home on October 9, 2019. He was born October 26, 1931 at Hudson, NY, the son of the late Vincent J. Sr. and Elizabeth Hardy Wallace. His younger brother Reuben George Wallace died earlier. He was married January 25, 1957 to Patricia Hawver, his wife of 62 years who survives him as do his children Vincent G.(Ellen), Michael P., Patricia K., and Timothy P. and grandchildren Robert and Kayln Rock Benton (Thomas), Mason and Axel Burch, Patrick and Lauren Wallace in addition to his great grandchildren Anastasia and Parker. Also many paternal and maternal family members. He attended Hudson and Greenport public schools, graduating in 1949 and completed engineering related programs at Columbia-Greene Community College, Hudson Valley Community College, the United States Army Engineer School, the College of St. Rose and the University of Connecticut. He was first employed by the Columbia County Highway Department Engineering Section and then by the NYS Division of Military and Naval Affairs Facilities Engineering Section, retiring in 1986 after 32 years as a Sr. Architect. Throughout his career he worked part time as a Land Surveyor assistant in the field, office and record repositories and then left retirement for part time employment at Taconic Farms-Germantown. He enlisted in CO.B 152nd Engineer Battalion, New York Army National Guard at Hudson in February 1949 and served continually in the Guard and Reserves for 43 years, retiring in 1991 as a Major, Corps of Engineers. His enlisted and commissioned service includes Engineer platoon leader, Company Executive Officer, Battalion Adjutant, Commanding Officer, Headquarters Detachment, New York Army National Guard, Aide-de-Camp to the Vice Chief of Staff to the Governor, Infantry Battalion combat Aidman and NCO in charge, Latham Medical Dispensary, Camp Smith, Peekskill, NY. His community service as a volunteer included membership in Greenport Pumper Co. No. 1,(Cpt), Lafayette Chemical Co. Valatie, A.B. Shaw Fire Co. Claverack, Greenport Rescue Squad, Valatie Volunteer Rescue Squad,(Life member) Southern Columbia County Ambulance Squad, serving continually for 36 years. He was certified as an American National Red Cross First Aid Instructor and instructor trainer for first aid and CPR programs, instructor and instructor trainer for the American Heart Assn. CPR courses, certified NYS Health Department instructor for Emergency Medical Technician courses and served as President of the Columbia County Volunteer Ambulance Assn, and Chairman of the Columbia County Emergency Medical Services Committee. He helped to perpetuate local history by initiating action to preserve the West Gatehouse of the former Columbia Turnpike on Rt. 23B in Greenport, restoration and continued maintenance of the Grand Army of the Republic (Civil War) plot in the Hudson City Cemetery, initiating a program to identify the graves of 38 Revolutionary War veterans in the Hudson Cemetery and install bronze grave markers in conjunction with the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution Chapters., prepared a booklet listing the names and locations of Civil War Veterans gravesites in both Hudson Cemeteries., worked part time for 2 years with the curator of the Fireman’s Home Museum to restore the 1800's Hayes aerial ladder truck to award winning condition. He was a member of the Palatines to America, Columbia County Historical Society, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Post #154 of Albany and the Clan Wallace Society (Life member). His interest in flying saw training as a student pilot: in fixed wing aircraft (J3 Cub)(interrupted by the Korean War), training in sky diving, and certification as a private pilot (and owner) of a hot air balloon. He held membership in the Catskill Yacht Club (Commodore and life member), Hudson-Mohawk Council of Yacht Clubs, Hudson Valley Yacht Club, Peekskill, Roe-Jan Creek Boat. Club, Hudson Valley Old- time Power Assn, (life member), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assn., Balloon Federation of America, National Rifle Assn., New York State Rifle and Pistol Assn., Columbia - Greene Sportsman Assn., Reserve Officers Assn., National Guard Assn, American Artillery Assn., 1st Litchfield (Conn) Artillery Regt., 5th New York independent Battery, HCSD Concerned Taxpayers (Chin). He sought to restrain Government excesses at all levels and was an outspoken Tea Party Patriot. He received religious instruction at St. Mary’s Academy and worshiped at St. Mary’s Church, All Saints Chapel (Episcopal) and Christ Church Episcopal (serving as a lector). A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 14, 2019 at 11:00 am from Christ Church Episcopal, 431 Union Street. Visitation will take place Sunday from 2 to 5 at Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. In lieu of flowers donations in Vincent’s name may be made to the Columbia Greene Humane Society.