Frank Wallace, 97, was born on April 13, 1918 in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. He passed away at Suncoast Hospice Mid Pinellas Care Center on February 20, 2016.
Frank is survived by his niece, Jean Norton and her husband, Bill of Hudson, FL; grandniece, Sandra Koerner of Hudson; grandnephew, Bill Norton of FT. Lauderdale, FL; other nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania and Florida; as well as his loving caregiver, Pat Alligood. Frank was also very close friends with Father Tom Dieter who visited him quite often not only for spiritual guidance but as a longtime friend.
Frank entered the Army when he was 23 years old on May 2, 1942. During his time fighting with “America’s Greatest Generation”, Frank received the American Campaign Medal, one Good Conduct Award, and the World War II Victory Medal. He received his honorable discharge on January 28, 1946 and achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant. During the war it was Frank’s responsibility to instruct the aircrew in weather observation and interpretation while supervising the preparation of weather studies, and maps, and preparing forecasts covering particular geographic regions using the latest modern methods of analysis. He retired as the Chief of Security of the St Petersburg Times.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Frank Wallace will be held Friday, March 11, 2016 @ 1:30 pm at Bay Pines National Cemetery with the United States Air Force providing military honors. Father Tom Dieter will graciously be officiating the memorial service for his friend, Frank.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
Jean and BIll, You and your families are all the family he has been a part of for so long. At this time of great sadness, remember all the years of love, happiness, family you all enjoyed and so graciously shared. I grieve for the loss, but it is a little easier knowing you all were there for him. I have fond memories from working with him on Wallace genealogy, and the stories his nephew, my husband, Bob would tell of family times.
Love
Bonnie
All of Frank’s family here in Pennsylvania are deeply saddened by this great loss of a wonderful man. Frank was my great uncle and godfather. I have so many special memories of my growing up with Frank. I missed him terribly when he moved to Florida. I loved when he came to visit us here and also when we came down to Florida. From visits to the casinos of Atlantic City to spirited politely debates, it was always a great time when Frank was around. The last time I saw him was when my daughter, Michelle, her husband Steve and I visited him a few years ago while on a Pharmacy conference. He proudly showed us his house and we all went out to dinner with Jeannie and Bill’s family. The night before, Frank and I talked for hours on the phone. I will always remember how he told me with tears in his eyes how much it meant to him that we made the trip to visit him. The world is a bit emptier with the passing of this great man. Love you Frank.💔
So thankful for the great times spent together, especially on our recent visit to Florida. I am so fortunate to have had such an amazing great great uncle… We love and miss you Frank.
Frank was a terrific Uncle to all his nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Everyone should be so lucky to have such a great uncle. When were growing up he always spent time with us and took us on trips. Especially to NYC which he loved. I will really miss him.