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Ernest Wallace Obituary
He was born in New London, on April 2, 1941, to Irene (Pollard) Wallace and Samuel Ernest Wallace. He was loved by his older sister, Joan Wallace Rogers, who predeceased him.
His surviving family consists of Christina Wallace, Lorraine and Harold Harrington, Scott Rogers and Asa and Elaine Pollard.
These may be the facts of his life, but they do not tell the incredible story of Ernie Wallace. As the owner of Shipman's Fire Equipment Co., Inc., he built the business from a small company to one of the most successful fire equipment businesses in the northeast. He was a lifelong member of many local fire departments, and his love of the fire service extended far beyond his business. Ernie was a generous man, always at the ready to help those in need. He has supported everyone from large non-profit organizations to individuals who simply needed help to get by. His huge heart didn't allow him to say no to anyone who needed assistance. He was recognized many times by the community for his philanthropy, including being awarded the Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award.
On top of his business savvy and giving nature, he was a man who made people laugh til their sides hurt. He is often remembered singing loudly, encouraging everyone to join in his revelry. Ernie did not simply walk across this world, he left large footprints.
His family would like to thank the people who made it possible for Ernie to come home; Cheryl Gaudenzi, Kim Lavoie, Laura Kokoska, John Fratus Sr., Ron Turner, Rich Dole, Smokey and Michael Kirchhoff, and as always the guys at Shipman's.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18, at the Quaker Hill Baptist Church, Old Norwich Road, Quaker Hill. His burial will follow with Fireman Honors in Jordan Cemetery, Waterford. Visiting hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London.
Donations in his honor may be sent to Shipman's Memorial Fund, c/o Chelsea Groton Bank, 157 Boston Post Road, Waterford CT 06385. Money donated will benefit various local charities.
Please visit www.byles.com for the family's online obituary, registry, or to offer a note of condolence.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Toni Gattie
October 10, 2020
All I can say is I will never forget you Ernie! You were amazing and funny! I love you!
Toni Gattie
October 13, 2019
Missing you as much as I always do, but on this 9th Anniversary, I just want to hug you and see you smile. Love ya Ernie!
Toni Gattie
October 10, 2019
Still miss you like crazy, my Favorite Brother in Law! But,, of course you're in a neck in neck race with Harold for that Title! Hope all is well up there, and you're visiting everyone there. Love you always. Love, Toni
Toni Gattie
November 15, 2011
Hey, Ern, just checking in one more time before this goes offline. Take care Buddy! I think of you often! Love you!<3
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For one brief moment when I looked at this photo we are together again. The emptiness in my heart is almost unbearable. I love sweetheart!
Lorraine
June 14, 2011
Toni
April 3, 2011
Happy 70th Birthday Ernie. Hope all is going well up there. Hope you're having a ball. I'll bet your birthday yesterday was a blast!!! Miss you Buddy and love you!
Diane Gajewski
April 2, 2011
Happy Birthday Ernie: I miss sending you a birthday card to the bar. We all think of you often.........Love, Chuck's Sis (Stash & Diane)
Geralyn
December 14, 2010
Lorraine and Crissy, I am so so sorry for your loss. May all the greatest memories of Ernie and the good times you shared help you through this very difficult time. My prayers have been with you all.
Toni
December 13, 2010
Good Morning Ernie. Hope all is well and you are adjusting well. I'm just happy you are a whole person now, with no troubles or pain anymore. Enjoy! Please tell Mom HAPPY BIRTHDAY on the 18th and HI to Jack, as it is the 9th anniversary of his passing on that day too. Love you, Ern. :-). Love, Me
December 10, 2010
I miss you sweetie, Love L
Toni Gattie
November 25, 2010
HAPPY THANKSGIVING ERNIE! Hope you had a great day Buddy. I love you. Hope maybe you, Mom and M.J. got together for dinner. Take care. TTYS, Love, Me
Toni Gattie
November 13, 2010
Morning Ernie! Just wanted to drop in and say I'm thinking of you on this 1 month anniversary. I can't believe you've been gone that long already. Say Hi to MJ and Mom for me and have a great day I love you!
Heather O'Shea
November 5, 2010
Chrissy,
I just learned of your dad's passing. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Gina Anton
October 30, 2010
Christina,
I just learned yesterday of your dad's passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Ernie will be greatly missed. You couldn't ask for a more kind or giving person. Most importantly, your dad was so proud of you and your accomplishments. My thoughts are with you.
Linda Price
October 28, 2010
Lorraine and Chrissy, We are so sorry for your loss. Ernie will be missed by many. He was a great guy, the two of you have an angel watching over you. Bob and Linda Price, Mystic Ct
October 25, 2010
To the Wallace family please accept my condolences. I can't believe he is actually gone. I was fortunate to have gotten to know him and will always remember the fun times that we all got to share with him. See you again soon Ernie but not today..... :) Eddie Fontaine Santa Cruz CA
October 19, 2010
Chrissy & Lorraine,
Ernie will be missed by everyone he touched! He touched so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep him in your heart and he will always be with you!
Vance and Angela
Maria Silva
October 19, 2010
Christina,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He was a man of kindness and generosity. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doris Cotnoir
October 18, 2010
Dear Chrissy and Lorraine, Edith Rogers, her children and grandchildren all share in your sadness. Earnie,like his father before him, was a kind and generous man. It will be difficult to think of Conn. without Ernie. Our love to each of you.
Diane Gajewski
October 18, 2010
Bye-bye Ernie....It was Great knowing you. You touched so many lives and by reading all of these great testimonials you will always be remembered. Our deepest sympathy to your family and friends. Love Stash & Chuck's "Sis" Diane
Winnie Lender
October 18, 2010
Dear Chrissy,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I will always have many fond memories of spending time with him and the "Shipman's" gang! His kindness and generosity to me during a very sad time will never be forgotten. I loved the E-man. May you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Winnie Lender
Robert Darrow
October 18, 2010
Chrissy, Lorraine & Scott.
It was sad to hear that Ernie had passed away. We had been friends from the time we were kids and he had always been a good friend to me and his Fire Co QHFC. I was glad I had stopped to see him at the Show last month. We all will miss him a great deal.
Dave Enos
October 18, 2010
I ran around with Ernie in high school and remember some of the things we did (some not so smart). Lost track of him when I went into the Navy. Sounds like he accomplished some great things in his life.
I also remember Shipman's small store on Truman St.. I'm sorry for your loss and I'm sure he is in a better place. Dave Enos, South Hill, VA
Elsie Alves
October 18, 2010
Chrissy, Lorraine & Family,
Our heartfelt sympathies to you and your families.
Manny & Elsie Alves
October 18, 2010
Ernie,
Was truly one of a kind, who always brought a smile to anyone's face,thanks for some fun times....rest in peace dear man..."D" Westerly, RI
"T" Baker
October 17, 2010
Chrissy,Lorraine and Family,
While I haven't been around as long as others, I have been around long enough to know how much Ernie loved his family and his extended family (shipman's). It was an honor working for Ernie and he will be sadly missed but NEVER forgotten.
October 17, 2010
Dear Chrissy and Lorraine,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved him and were loved by him. You all are in my prayers!
With love, Carolyn McGinley Redmond
Debbie Carson-Schildt
October 17, 2010
Dear Chrissy and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. May your memories keep you strong and get you through this sad time. Chrissy, I have wonderful memories of your Dad, and he will live on in all of our hearts. Our Family is here for you if you need anything.
Love, Debbie
Fred and Jean Dragoli
October 17, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
joyce meehan
October 17, 2010
Dear Wallace Family,
Not knowing Ernie I wish to offer my condolences to your family. I was involved in many fundraisers over the past decade. Working with such greats as Mickey Vendetto among others. Each time we decided on a fundraiser a select few names would come up as to who would donate. Ernie Wallace was one of the Top. He generosity was amazing and he never hesitated to make someones life a little easier. I bet half the people he didn't even know. On behalf of the many many people that Ernie has graced with his generousity I wish to say "Thank You Ernie." Your name will always be remembered as great benefactor and a man with the huge heart. May God take you home in his arms and praise you for a job well done.
Rest and peace and God Bless!
Love Tara and Elijah Boudreaux
October 17, 2010
Lorraine and Chrissy-
We are so sorry for your loss. Your in our thoughts always.
October 17, 2010
Chrissy & Lorraine:
I have so many memories of great times with Ernie, especially at the conventions in Hyannis way back when. We are so sorry for your loss, may your happy memories of Ernie carry you through this very difficult time. He was a kind, generous, wonderful man. I'll ask my Dad to keep an eye out for him up there.
Mary Kent Thompson
October 17, 2010
Ernie,
You treated me like a son and I thought of you as a second father. I have known you my whole life. We have been together through good times and bad and we always made it through with a smile and a laugh. I will truly miss you! Chrissy and Lorraine, We are so sorry for your loss. Ernie was such a great, loving and caring Dad and friend who would do anything for anyone. A large part of everyone's life will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family through this difficult time.
With love always, David, Kathie, Alyssa and Heather
Joe Martin
October 17, 2010
Chrissy & Family
We are going to miss Ernie. I have only worked for him a short time compared to others, but we have witnessed his quick business mind and generosity and care for others. We know we are better people for knowing Ernie. Nothing will take away the pain of losing him except knowing he is no longer suffering. May he rest in peace.
Joe & Joann Martin
Veronica Stevens
October 17, 2010
Lorraine & Chrissy, Ernie has been a part of my life since Chrissy was just a toddler so that makes us family. It is so hard to believe Ernie will not be with us anymore but he will be in our hearts and memories forever.He will truly be be missed for the great person he was. My love is with you always, Veronica
Donna Vendetto
October 17, 2010
Earnie Wallace was the most giving person that I have ever met! He continualy supported my brother, Mickey, on his many causes. He was especially generous to the my brother's fund-raising effort for The Make A Wish Foundation.
Five years ago my family did a fund-raiser for the victims of Katrina. The event was so successful that it became too costly to ship the hundreds of boxes of tolietries, clothing and bedding.
When Earnie heard of our problem he generously gave us the cash to rent a U-Haul. I will never forget his kindness!
Spence & Sue Williams
October 17, 2010
To Ernie's Family,
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
We are so sorry to hear about your loss.
Our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Your happy memories will help you through this sad time.
May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.
Jim Coleman
October 17, 2010
To Ernie's family.
It's been 53 years since I last saw or spoke to Ernie,but I never forgot what a great guy he was! Memories seem to fade through the years, but his will forever be burned into mine. Jim Coleman
Jim Shake
October 16, 2010
To Ernie's Family & Friends, as well as the entire Shipmans Family:
It is truly sad to read of Ernie's passing. He indeed was a "larger than life charachter". So many laughs, so many great memories, too many to count. Ernie had a heart as big as the ocean, and he took care of the fire service in Southeastern CT and beyond with the Shipmans Team. I will alway remember Ernie and smile - he truly was one of a kind. Go in peace my friend - God Bless.
October 16, 2010
The world has lost one of the most generous and caring persons ever. Someone who was always willing to give to make our world a better place. From the fire service, to hospice, to big brothers and sisters, to make a wish foundation, little league baseball and how I could make this list go on. We will all miss the e-man, there is no one person that could fill the void that we have now on earth. Rest in peace boss, we love you and will miss you.
Michael, Sue, kasey Lyn and Michael Jr.
Gloria & Frank Bailey
October 16, 2010
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Paul Fraser
October 16, 2010
Chrissy, Lorraine, and the Shipman's Family:
I was shocked the get the phone call about Ernie's passing. I will always be thankful for the opportunity he gave me many years. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Rest in peace my friend,
October 16, 2010
Dear Scott , we only met Ernie through your telling us about him and we know how much you cared for him. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family. Love, Chris and Joe Pirogenia
Dawn (Epstein) DeCristofaro
October 16, 2010
Chrissy, Lorraine and Family -
Ernie has left such an impression on so many people. I will always remember our trips and most of all, the trip to Florida in which I gained the nickname Notre Dame. He was such a loving and caring individual and he will be missed by so many. You are in my thoughts and prayers!!!
Love, Dawn
Fritz Hilbert
October 16, 2010
Oh Ernie,
Who am I gonna have fun with now?? Now that I think of it you and I and our gang had plenty of fun so why can't you just leave some as you go. I promise to use it wisely. Crissy, I'm sure going to miss your Daddy as will all of us. We have so few best friends in life and your Dad was mine. Wherever we go from here Ernie you will always be with us. OK, Sam and Hank, he's all yours now, go easy on him.
Michael Porretta
October 16, 2010
Dear Lorraine
I am so very sorry for your loss-my thoughts and prayers our with you and your Daugther,you our a very strong lady Lorraine keep your faith in God always this is hard but it is only the beginning for all those who believe and except Jesus Christ into our Hearts and souls please take care I no this is hard for you your dear friend Michael
Erik Backer
October 16, 2010
What I will remember most about Ernie, is that he was as generous a man personally, as he was professionally. He gave to the Fire Service and to his Brother Firemen. Everyone around Ernie was going to have as good a time as he did, and he made sure of it. That kind of businessman is rare today. You leave the Fire Service a better place Ernie. Rest in peace.
Jim Cottrell
October 16, 2010
Ernie, You-Da-Man!
Tracey Armaos
October 16, 2010
Our heart goes out to the Wallace family. He was always very kind. He will certainly be missed and we are soo sorry for your loss. You are in our heart and prayers. May you rest in peace now...
Roger McCardell
October 16, 2010
Ernie was one of the kindest, generous and fun loving individuals that I have ever met in my life. I considered him to be one of my best freinds. My heart goes out to the family.
Ernie, I'll miss you Bro.
Eddie Tzrinske
October 16, 2010
I was sorry to hear of Ernie's passing. I personally experienced Erne's generosity when I went through a trying time. But I will remember Erne more for the many good times we had and the non stop laughs. We lost a good man.
Pamela Bandi & Gregory Cluff
October 16, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. Ernie was a great guy and will be missed.
Fred Potter
October 16, 2010
One of those few giants you meet in life that affected so many people ...and so humbly. Rest in Peace Ernie.
All the Besades
October 16, 2010
Rest in peace our good friend
Normand Rioux
October 16, 2010
My sincere symphaty goes out to the Wallace family.I met Ernie,while being a member of the Montville Fire Department, and owner of Vic's Restaurant in Montville. Ernie will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Horseshoe Norm. Rioux
Toni Gattie
October 16, 2010
R.I.P., my funny and favorite brother-in-law. I love you! We will miss you so much.
Tim Gigliotti
October 16, 2010
Ernie was a great friend to many people in S.E. Ct.His generosity has helped many people here.Our condolences to his family.
October 16, 2010
Crissy & Lorraine, Karen and I were very say when we got the call from Laura upon Ernies passing. We will all miss him but I believe we will all be touched by him one way or another when needed. We're sorry we can't be with both of you the next few days but please know our thoughts and prayers will be. Tom & Karen Kokoska, Naples, Florida
Donald Lavoie, Jr.
October 16, 2010
May you rest in peace, you will be missed by all.
Peter Gianakos
October 16, 2010
Ernie was certainly a unique individual who will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he rest in peace.
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