John S. Wallace Jr.

EASTHAM — John S. Wallace Jr., 84, of Eastham passed away on Aug. 15, 2008, at Cape Cod Hospital, after a short illness.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Oct. 1, 1923, he was the son of the late John and Florence Wallace of Eastham. He was raised in Rutherford, N.J., and served in the Army in the Pacific during World War II. After the war, he attended the Art Students League in New York City, followed by a 10-year apprenticeship and continued employment with the American Banknote Company as a vignette engraver.

Before retiring in 1987 to Cape Cod, he worked for the U.S. Bureau of Printing and Engraving in Washington, D.C., for 16 years. While at the Bureau, he engraved commemorative postage stamps, duck stamps, and official presidential portraits of President Ford and President Carter. John was considered by his peers to be one of the top engravers in the business.

He continued to freelance engrave throughout his retirement. He greatly enjoyed his old sea captain's home and spending time with his grandchildren, of whom he was very proud. John and Marian traveled and spent many winters in Florida.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Marian; sons John and his wife, Gloria, of New Jersey, Richard and his wife, Doreen, of Maryland, David and his wife, Patty, also of Maryland, and Douglas and his wife, Colleen, of Eastham; and nine grandchildren, Rachel, Jack, Sarah, Danielle, Jessica, Benjamin, Brian, Jenny and Steven.

Visiting hours will be held in the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, on Monday, Aug. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the Eastham United Methodist Church, Route 6, Eastham, on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 2 p.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Schoolhouse Museum, Nauset Road, Eastham, MA 02642.

Nickerson Funeral Home

508-255-0259