Obituary of Leon J. Wallace

Air Force/NYS Army National Guard 1957 -1961/1976-2001 Leon J. Wallace was born in 1937. Raised in Staten Island, the oldest of 3 brothers. He grew up in West Brighton and Mariners Harbor sections of Staten Island, graduating from P.S. 18 and McKee High School in 1956. After graduating high school, Mr. Wallace joined the US Air Force. He was a Jet Mechanic while stationed in Guam. He was honorably discharged in 1961. He returned to military service in 1976, to help pay for his degree from SICC [currently CSI]. This time his service was with the NYS Army National Guard part of the 5-117th cavalry unit. While part of the Guard, he taught map reading; he retired from the National Guard in 2001 as Sergeant. After leaving the Air Force, Mr. Wallace began work with SIDDSO [formerly Willowbrook State School]. His last position of 17yrs was part of the Staff Developmental Services Unit; he served as one of the staff training instructors. He retired from working for NYS in 2001 after 38 years. Mr. Wallace enjoys traveling and photography. He is a former Boy Scout troop #47 in West Brighton. He is a current member St. Phillips Baptist Church on Staten Island. He is also a member of numerous civic & cultural associations; NAACP, U.S.I.V.O., current District President of 369th Veterans Association, Richmond District, and Past National Vice-President, member of A.J. Jones #1 A.:F.: & A.:M.: [33°], Omega Grand Lodge, Patron of Rose of Sharon #1, O.E.S., and R.W.A.G.P. of Oriental Grand Chapter. He has traveled the US militarily, and the world masonically. It should also be noted he is a 2nd generation member of the 369th Veterans’ as was his father before him in WW I. He recently completed the NYS Chaplains course ministering to other vets in need. In addition to all else, he is a loving father of one adult daughter, and ‘Uncle Leon’ to his nieces, nephew, great-nieces, and nephews, and most others across NYC. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 2508 Victory Blvd on Friday, 9/2/2022, departing at 9:00 AM. Funeral Service will be held in St. Philip’s Baptist Church, 77 Bennett Street Staten Island, NY 10302 at 10:00 AM. A private cremation will follow. Family and friends may visit on Thursday, 9/1/2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM.