Obituary of Thomas E. Wallace

Thomas, a native of Corona, Queens, New York, was born on December 10, 1948 to Thomas Wallace Sr. and Antoinette Wallace (Sabattie). He later relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he completed his high school education at Shaker High School, marking the beginning of his academic journey.  He continued his education by obtaining his associate degree in Business Management at Cuyahoga Community College, then going for his bachelor's degree in Marketing Management in 1977 at Lake Erie College. Lake Erie College is where he completed his final degree in Master of Business Administration in Systems and Finance in 1984.

Thomas's professional journey was marked by significant achievements. In 1979, he ran for State Representative for District 13 in Ohio, showcasing his early interest in public service. From 1980-1982, he served as the manager of the Mentor Food Service Facility at Caterpillar Tractor Co. In 1982, he joined the City of Cleveland Civil Service Commission's Minority Business Development Council as an Associate Project Developer, a role he held under Mayor Voinovich.

Thomas's personal life was filled with love and family. He met his wife Ranulfa in Binghamton, New York while visiting his father, who was employed with IBM. Their connection grew, and they married on January 29, 1982, in Endicott, Binghampton, New York. They settled in Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1983, Thomas and Ranulfa welcomed their first child, Vanessa, while residing in Cleveland, Ohio. Soon after, their second child, Antoinette, was born in 1984. In 1986, Thomas relocated his family to Staten Island, New York, after accepting an Administrative Manager position within the New York Transit Authority. Shortly thereafter, his son Thomas III was born in 1987. In 1990 he advanced in his career within the New York Transit Authority Metropolitan Transit Authority as a deputy director of business programs. In 1993 he became the Director of Contract Compliance at the MTA headquarters at 370 Jay Street in Brooklyn, NY. Eventually, his department moved to the newer MTA headquarters at 2 Broadway, Manhattan, New York where he retired in 2015.

Thomas was a devoted husband, father, and mentor. In 1969, he was initiated into the Zeta Omega fraternity in Cleveland, Ohio. When he moved to New York, he eventually joined the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Harlem, New York. His brotherhood within the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity included many volunteering and mentoring endeavors. Thomas held various positions throughout, including being Basileus for two terms.  He has been one of the founders and co-chairs of the Annual Five Boro Food Pantry Drive, collecting donations for food pantries across New York City including Black Veterans for Social Justice.

He became a member of the Sigma Pi Phi, also known as Boule Fraternity Beta Zeta Chapter, and held the position of social action chairman.  In 2015, he joined Boyer Lodge No.1 Freemasons, where he was awarded a Community Service Award in 2017. He dedicated his life to the betterment of others.

Thomas participated in other community service endeavors, such as mentoring for 100 Black Men of New York and mentoring at the Eagle Academy, in which he was the first recipient of the Award of Excellence for Mentorship in 2006. He also was part of the Board of Directors Harlem Restoration Project from 1994 - 1998.

Thomas is survived by his wife Ranulfa Wallace (Subiel), his children Vanessa Dasaro (Wallace), Antoinette Wallace, and Thomas Wallace III, his granddaughter Lorelai Dasaro, his sisters Sharon Johnson (Wallace), Gail Miller (Wallace) and his brother Dana Wallace.

Whether in community service or in his personal life, Thomas will be deeply missed. He remains an inspiration to many. He will always be remembered as a generous, selfless leader.

Family and friends may visit Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Blvd. on Sunday May 5^th from 2-5 and 7-9 PM.   Funeral departing Matthew Funeral home on Monday May 6^th at 9:45AM.  A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church at 10:30AM.  Burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery to follow.