Gary Anthony Wallace was born in Philadelphia on August 14, 1952, to Geneva Morris and Frederick Wallace. As a young child he attended the Philadelphia Public Schools and graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1970. He then attended Northeastern University for his undergraduate degree, where he played varsity basketball and participated as a member of the drama club, acting in numerous plays. During this time, he became a residence director in the Residence Life office and matriculated on to graduate school where he earned a master's degree in Economics. In 1974 he met his first wife Sheree A. Williams on campus, and they were married in 1978. Their union produced our son Garry A. Wallace who they welcomed into the world on June 1, 1983.
Gary dedicated his life to serving children and worked in numerous capacities as a career counselor and basketball coach. He was fortunate enough to foster a love of basketball in Garry and coached him on various teams over the years. Garry like his dad became proficient in this sport and played at the varsity level. They developed an unshakeable father and son bond which is second to none. He never missed a milestone in his son's life. They communicated every single day, and he always ended the conversation with, "I love you son!" Father and son were blessed with eternal love.
As a career specialist working at the Boston Private Industry Council (BPIC) Gary counseled hundreds of English H.S. students, while placing them in a variety of jobs. He wrote the most convincing letters of recommendation for his students, most of whom matriculated on to college. His relationship with them did not end there, because he always left the door open to being their life coach. He cared about students, and lovingly and tirelessly advocated for them. In his final position Gary served as the Assistant Director of Cooperative Education at Suffolk University and again mentored hundreds of students. He wore many hats, counselor, friend, godfather, author, disciplinarian, but no matter what, you always walked away from him feeling loved. His motto was, "Do What You Love, And Love What You Do!"
During his years at the BPIC Gary met and married his current wife of 28 years Mabel Reid-Wallace. She worked in the Boston Public Schools at Boston Technical H.S, Jamaica Plain H.S and the Jeremiah Burke H.S. as a Career Specialist. They bonded over their love of children, because they shared the same philosophy and loved each other deeply. The belief that every child has the inalienable right to accomplish their dream and could do so if given the love and resources necessary to accomplish this goal was paramount to their existence. Mabel later accepted the position of METCO Director in 2000. Thus, Mabel's students became Gary's students as she worked for the METCO Program as a Director till 2019.
Gary and Mabel traveled the world together and played long and hard. Their love of dancing allowed them to spend tireless hours on the dance floor, while they sang to the music. Gary had a melodious voice and shared it with those he loved. Gary and Mabel enjoyed concerts and were blessed to see Diana Ross, Stephanie Mills, Al Green, Janet Jackson, Freddie Jackson, Ray Charles, The Temptations, Luther Vandross, Oleta Adams, Chrisette Michele, India Irie, Smokey Robinson, Patti Labelle, Lenny Kravitz, Dorothy Moore, Gladys Knight, John Legend, Peabo Bryson, LaLah Hathaway, Ashford & Simpson, The Isley Brothers, Gerald Albright, Evelyn Champagne-King, Donovan Reid, Ray Greene and Perrita Kitson live in concert. Gary spent the last days of his life thanking God for the good life he shared with his family and friends. He reminisced with Mabel about the special times, the beaches on which they strolled, the people they met in the countries they visited, the eclectic foods they tried or didn't and the lasting memories built over the years.
As he traveled over the final path of his life, he had beautiful visions dancing in his head that brought him peace. He loved baseball and enjoyed basketball. He felt blessed to see the Celtics lose the final game of the NBA Series. He took the time to personally thank his friends and family for the love they shared. He was a fearless man and gently comforted anyone who grieved around him. He assured us that we were all going to be alright, because he would be alright. Gary Anthony Wallace went on to be with his Savior on July 5, 2022, cradled by Mabel and Garry. He leaves behind his beloved wife Mabel Reid-Wallace, son Garry Wallace, friend Sheree A. Williams, mother-in-law Beverley Reid, father-in-law Copeland Reid, In-Laws Thea Reid, Courtney Reid, Donovan Reid & Family, Horace Reid & Family, Sharon Obeng & Chantal Okojie & Victoria Okojie, Jason Okojie; Adopted mom & dad Edith & Horace Brown; Cousins Troy Morris, Tracy Holland, Sophia Agbaje, Woolford Baldwin, Sylvia Baldwin, Monterey Baldwin, Eric Bonner, Olajuwon Bonner and several others; Closest Friends Pablo & Donna Alvarez, Theodore Kolow, Otis Jackson, John Kolentsas and son P.J Kolentsas; Childhood friends Gerald Redd Jr., Tony Redd, & Alfred Upshur; Godchildren Isaias & Kyan Adaramola, Nicolas and Addison Alvarez and a host of students, friends and relatives.
The family wishes to thank you all for being part of this Celebration of Life Service for Gary. Special thanks to the dedicated healthcare providers who cared for Gary during his final days. Thanks to Pastor Brandon Thomas Crowley & The Myrtle Baptist Church for their support and prayers. Finally, a personal thanks to my METCO families for all your support. May God bless you all!
Rest in Peace and Love Gary Anthony Wallace, you did your best and through God we promise to do the rest.
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Garry A. Wallace