Donald R. Wallace

AYER: Donald R. Wallace, 90, a longtime Ayer resident died unexpectedly Saturday, February 4, 2023, at his home. Don was born in Ayer, on December 4, 1932, a son of Roger and Agnes (Latvis) Wallace and was a 1951 graduate of Lawrence Academy in Groton. Following his graduation from high school, Don enlisted and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. For over thirty years he worked for New England Telephone as a lineman and later in the Private Branch Exchange Board Department before retiring in 1987. Following his retirement from New England Telephone, Don went on to work another twelve years at Lockheed Martin Corporation in Nashua, NH. Don was a member of the IBEW Local. He attended Saint Mary’s Church in Ayer and was a member and Past Grand Knight of its Knights of Columbus Council # 374. He was a member of the Ayer American Legion Post # 139 and in 2017 served as the Grand Marshall of the July 4th Parade. He was a former member of the Lodge of Elks and the Ayer Volunteer Fire Department. Many years ago he coached in the St. Mary’s CYO Basketball Program. Donnie had many interests during his ninety years, he enjoyed reading, walking, using the computer and his candy and ice cream. Most importantly he loved spending time with his family and friends. Whether it was at trip to the casino with his good friend Dave Dolan or watching the grandkids on the athletic fields, Donnie was always up for an adventure. Big D loved his family, friends and country with all his heart. Don leaves his wife of 67 years, Josephine M. (McGuane) Wallace; two sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph D. and Terry Wallace, Marty D., and Kathleen Wallace all of Ayer; three daughters and sons-in-law, Mary C. and Rich Sperazzo of Laconia, NH, Agnes and John Shanahan, Monica J., and Brian Gill all of Ayer; his sister, Carol Castellano of Nashua, NH; eleven grandchildren, Anthony Sperazzo, Matthew Sperazzo, Meagan Monat, Michael Wallace, Mary B. Acuna, Julie Santiago, Stephen Wallace, Brian Wallace, Sarah Wallace, Matthew Gill, Ryan Gill; eight great-grandchildren, Aiden Monat, Emma Monat, Adeline Sperazzo, Nora Sperazzo, Adrianna Sperazzo, Sophie Sperazzo, Anthony Sperazzo and Jack Wallace. He was predeceased by two infant children, Raymond Wallace in 1960, and Catherine Wallace in 1962, and two sisters, Priscilla Hottel of Ayer and Martha Wollen of Nashua, NH. Don’s funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM Friday, February 10, 2023, at St. Anthony’s Church, 14 Phoenix Street, Shirley. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ayer. Don’s family will receive relatives and friends at calling hours 4-7 PM Thursday, February 9, 2023, at the Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road (Rte. 2A) Ayer. For additional information or to leave an online condolence please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com. Memorial contribution may be made to Clearpath for Veterans, 84 Antietam Street, Devens, MA 01434. Don's Funeral Mass will be recorded, and will be available to view early evening on Friday at the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/donald-wallace-2023

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Donald R. Wallace

December 4, 1932 - February 4, 2023