1926 – 2016

Johnston, R.I. —William James Wallace Sr., 90, of Cumberland, R.I., died on Tuesday, Feb, 9, at Cherry Hill Manor in Johnston, R.I.

William (Bill) was born on Feb. 2, 1926, in Providence, R.I., to Thomas J. Wallace and Anna (McMahon) Wallace. He spent most of his childhood in Pawtucket, R.I., and was a graduate of Pawtucket East High School (now William E. Tolman Senior High School).

Bill enlisted at age 17 in the U.S. Navy, where he served for two years as a gunnery officer during World War II. After his discharge, he enrolled at Brown University where he went on to receive both his bachelor’s and, later, his master’s degrees.

Bill married Mildred Theresa Patenaude on April 14, 1952, at St. Cecilia Church in Pawtucket. Bill and Millie were married for 57 years before her death in 2010. They had one son, William J. Jr.

Bill was a career teacher, spending most of his 34 years teaching English at his alma mater, Tolman High School, where he also taught German in his early years. Although Bill retired in 1984, he often returned to Tolman as a substitute teacher for several years thereafter. Following retirement, Bill and Millie traveled extensively, visiting many different countries, including Ireland, Scotland, Israel, France, and the Ivory Coast.

Bill is survived by his son, William, and daughter-in-law, Donna, of Minot; two granddaughters, Lyndsay S. Wallace, of Somerville, Mass., and Selena F. Wallace, currently a student at Northeastern University in Boston; sister-in-law, Chris Wallace of Arlington, Mass.; nephews, Peter Wallace of Arlington, Mass., Dr. Charles Pattavina (also his Godson,) of Winterport, Vincent Pattavina of Columbia, S.C., and Thomas Pattavina of Stoughton, Mass.; nieces, Jocelyn Wallace of Boston, and Elizabeth Flynn of Braintree, Mass.; and close family friends, Keith and Monique Lawton, of Cumberland, R.I.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, John and Thomas Wallace; and his wife, Mildred.

The family would like to extend thanks to the staff on the second floor at Cherry Hill Manor, for their care and compassion over the past several months as Bill’s health declined.