Michael John Wallace

Ledyard - Michael John Wallace, 60, passed away at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven, on Feb. 8, 2013.

He was born March 1, 1952, to his loving parents, John Madden Wallace and Joan (Ashcraft) Wallace in a snowstorm. His early years were spent in Quaker Hill, then moving to Spain where he and his family traveled throughout the Mediterranean region of Europe. He lived in New London and then Mason's Island, Mystic, where he gained a love of Long Island Sound. He spent many happy days sailing on his beloved sailboat, Erendil. In later years, he enjoyed time spent lobstering. He also loved sports, football, and basketball.

Mike attended St. John's Junior High and then St. Bernard High School, where he met many of his lifelong friends. He graduated from Boston College.

He worked most of his life for Yankee Remodelers in New London as a carpenter, later at P&H Construction, and at various business tasks, among them as a real estate agent.

He will be greatly missed by his mother, Joan Ashcraft Wallace of Ledyard and his two sisters, Barbara Lynn O'Neill of Andover and Kathleen Wallace Stearns and her husband, Arthur B. Stearns, of Mansfield. He was a pillar of wisdom to his two nephews, Wallace B. Stearns and Shepherd Michael Stearns and his three nieces, Eliza Stearns, Colleen and Caiti O'Neill.

Michael was predeceased by his father, John M. Wallace.

He built his post and beam home in the woods of Ledyard and spent many an hour watching wildlife accompanied by his loyal dogs, Charles, Benie, and Cody.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter or the charity of your choice.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on today, Feb. 12, with a service at 2 p.m. at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. Interment will be private.

To send the family an online condolence, please visit Mike's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com