Obituary for Gerald William "Jerry" Wallack
Gerald “Jerry” William Wallack, 85, of Ogunquit, ME passed away suddenly at home on March 1, 2019. He was born April 14, 1933 in New Haven, CT to Louis and Frances (Eagen) Wallack.
Jerry graduated from Hillhouse High School (New Haven, CT), the University of Miami with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, and from Central Connecticut State University with Master’s Degree in Education. Following his graduation, he taught Cuban Refugees in Miami to speak English. After moving to New York City, he was the Manager of the landmark Chumley’s Restaurant, which is the oldest saloon in the city. He then returned to Education where he taught elementary and middle school students in Meriden, CT. He was instrumental in getting the Bullying Law passed in CT after the suicide of one of his students. Following his retirement from the classroom, he still worked as a substitute teacher and administrative assistant at Platt High School in Meriden, CT. Following his full retirement, he moved with his wife to his first love, Ogunquit, ME, where he worked in Visitor’s Services for many years where he was known by visitors as “Mr. Mustache”. Many visitors wanted “selfies” with him, much to Jerry’s delight. Of course he happily obliged.
Jerry was a member of the R.O.T.C while a student at the University of Miami. He became a member of the United States Marines and served during the 1950’s while stationed in Japan. He was very proud to have served his country as a member of the USMC Third Marine Division.
Jerry married Patricia O’Leary in 1973. They just celebrated a loving and joy-filled 46 years together this February 17. They were each other’s best friends and soul mates. They worked alongside each other for over 20 years running the Recreation Department in Meriden, CT. They ran many recreational activities, concert series, and special day parades. The largest parade was the “Daffodil Parade”, a two hour event featured in Yankee Magazine. They also shared their lives with two Airedale Terriers, Finnegan and Farran.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Frances Wallack and brothers, Arthur and Bob Wallack. He is survived by his wife, Patty Wallack of Ogunquit, ME; sister, Ann Walheimer of New York City; sister-in-law, Honorine Wallack of Woodbridge, CT; brother-in-law, William O’Leary of Plymouth, CT; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends in CT and Ogunquit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 PM, with sharing of memories and military honors to take place promptly at 2:00 PM, on Sunday April 14, 2019 at Roost Café and Bistro, 262 Shore Rd., Ogunquit, ME 03907.
Jerry graduated from Hillhouse High School (New Haven, CT), the University of Miami with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, and from Central Connecticut State University with Master’s Degree in Education. Following his graduation, he taught Cuban Refugees in Miami to speak English. After moving to New York City, he was the Manager of the landmark Chumley’s Restaurant, which is the oldest saloon in the city. He then returned to Education where he taught elementary and middle school students in Meriden, CT. He was instrumental in getting the Bullying Law passed in CT after the suicide of one of his students. Following his retirement from the classroom, he still worked as a substitute teacher and administrative assistant at Platt High School in Meriden, CT. Following his full retirement, he moved with his wife to his first love, Ogunquit, ME, where he worked in Visitor’s Services for many years where he was known by visitors as “Mr. Mustache”. Many visitors wanted “selfies” with him, much to Jerry’s delight. Of course he happily obliged.
Jerry was a member of the R.O.T.C while a student at the University of Miami. He became a member of the United States Marines and served during the 1950’s while stationed in Japan. He was very proud to have served his country as a member of the USMC Third Marine Division.
Jerry married Patricia O’Leary in 1973. They just celebrated a loving and joy-filled 46 years together this February 17. They were each other’s best friends and soul mates. They worked alongside each other for over 20 years running the Recreation Department in Meriden, CT. They ran many recreational activities, concert series, and special day parades. The largest parade was the “Daffodil Parade”, a two hour event featured in Yankee Magazine. They also shared their lives with two Airedale Terriers, Finnegan and Farran.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Frances Wallack and brothers, Arthur and Bob Wallack. He is survived by his wife, Patty Wallack of Ogunquit, ME; sister, Ann Walheimer of New York City; sister-in-law, Honorine Wallack of Woodbridge, CT; brother-in-law, William O’Leary of Plymouth, CT; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends in CT and Ogunquit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 PM, with sharing of memories and military honors to take place promptly at 2:00 PM, on Sunday April 14, 2019 at Roost Café and Bistro, 262 Shore Rd., Ogunquit, ME 03907.