John Richard Wallace

John Richard Wallace passed away December 7, 2009 in the Orange Park Medical Center at the age of 85. He was born to John and Margaret Wallace on June 18, 1924 in rural Binghamton, NY. John met Dorothy Hemzik in 1942 in Binghamton, NY at Ansco Corporation where they both worked. They fell in love and married on July 3, 1943 in Johnson City, NY. They had four children, Wendy, Bonnie, Ronald and Scott. John served during World War II in the United States Coast Guard from December 1, 1942 to November 19, 1945 as a Motor Machinist. After returning to civilian life he joined the Law Enforcement Officers Training School in New York, sponsored by the New York State Sheriff’s Association and Federal Bureau of Investigation. After graduating he became a Police Officer for Endicott, NY Police Department. John also received his Pilot’s license in 1950. He became affiliated with the Loyal Order of Moose on October 13, 1983 when he joined the Sebastian River Lodge #1767. He received a Life Membership in the Order by sponsoring 250 members into the order. In his lifetime he sponsored 332 members. He achieved the highest honor of the fraternity, the Pilgrim Degree of Merit, on May 28, 1994. He was also a Past Governor and Past Deputy Supreme Governor. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and received the highest degree, as a 4th Degree Knight at the Assembly 155 in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. John loved flying, racing, woodworking, and fishing. He was a person who enjoyed being a part of an organization with a purpose, as he loved helping people in need. John and his wife Dorothy became a part of the Moosehaven family on June 24, 2008. He is survived by his children, Wendy (Rocco) Catucci of Orange Park, FL, Bonnie (Bill) Tomecek of Binghamton, NY, Ronald Wallace of Vero Beach, FL, Scott (Kathy) Wallace of Melbourne, FL. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 2:00 PM in the Moosehaven Chapel. Services will be conducted by Rev. Helen Taylor, Officers of Opportunity Lodge, and represented by the Knights of Columbus. Please sign the family’s online register book at www.broadusraines.com. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.