Obituary of Matthew R. Wallace

Wallace, Matthew Robert (Matt), 47 was born on June 24, 1973 in Boston, Massachusetts and unexpectedly passed away peacefully with his beloved wife Katie by his side on September 18, 2020 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Matt grew up in Falmouth, Massachusetts and graduated from Falmouth High School with the class of 1991. After graduation, there was never a question that he would follow in his father’s footsteps and join the military. Matt enlisted in the US Air Force and he proudly served his country with honor and dignity for 22 years, retiring in 2013 as a Technical Sergeant. Matt’s military career was full of awards, decorations, degrees, and commendations. Matt’s first duty assignment was with the 963rd AMU (AWACS) at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma. Showing an exceptional level of professionalism, leadership and potential, he was selected to become a Flight Engineer. His first assignment was on the mighty C-141B at McGuire AFB in New Jersey. During this assignment, Matt earned the recognition as Noncommissioned Officer in Charge and was selected for the most elite trainings. In 2002, Matt was assigned as Flight Engineer for the 310th Airlift Squadron, flying executive missions of national security around on the Gulfstream C-37A until his retirement in 2013. Through the course of his military service, Matt traveled the world. Made friends everywhere he went and most importantly, served his country at the highest level possible. Matt was the ultimate American Hero.

If you had the pleasure of meeting Matt, you knew you were in the company of someone truly special. He was never short for words and was always right on time with his unmatched dry, sarcastic witty sense of humor. Matt was a die-hard Patriots fan and had the honor of his retirement flag being flown over Gillette Stadium. Football days were always a big deal in the Wallace home, and the match ups between the Patriots – Bills always made for some great banter. Matt had a passion for music, loved a good round of golf, some time at the gun range, was a connoisseur of wings, took any excuse to go fishing “Team Building Events”, and most importantly was at his best when spending time with his friends and family.

In addition to his wife, Katharine, Matt is survived by his mother, Patricia Wallace of Falmouth, MA, his brother, MSgt (R) Brian Wallace (Kari) of West Point, UT, his sister, Jessica Salrin (Dillon) of Littleton, CO, brother-in-laws Chris (Jessica) Clark II of Buffalo, NY and Peter Clark of Georgia, father-in-law, Christopher Clark (Cindy) of Buffalo, NY, mother-in-law, Mary Barbara Clark of Buffalo as well as his half sister Nancy Dand (Bruce Marshall) of Carver, MA. Matt will also be remembered by his nephews and nieces: Tyler, Sean, and Andrew Wallace; Luke and Claire Salrin, Liam and Ciara Clark and Katrina and Connor Clark; all of whom brought so much joy and light into his life. We also expect the stories of Matt to be shared by his extensive and amazing circle of friends for years to come. His father, Robert Patrick Wallace, predeceased Matt.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 29 at the Anderson McQueen Family Tribute Center located at 2201 Dr. M.L. King Street North, St. Petersburg from 4-7pm. Burial will be held Wednesday, September 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Bay Pines National Cemetery, St. Petersburg.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Air Force Association (afa.org).

Fly High, Matt.