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Wallace Thirll Obituary
ITHACA - Wallace C. Thirll, age 91 of Ithaca, died at Lakeside Nursing Home on Tuesday morning. Wally was the last surviving member of the original Melotones, a group whose music was enjoyed by many since the 1930's.
He is survived by a niece, Beverly Johnson; two nephews, Chester and George Brown; a host of grand, great-grand, great-great-grand, and great-great-great grandnieces and nephews; a cousin, Esther Johnson. Wally is predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Amanda Thirll; parents, George and Emma Thirll; a sister, Margaret Brown; and a niece, Donnabelle Brown Johnson.
Friends and family may call Monday from 10 a.m. until time of 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service at the Herson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in South Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Wally to a charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wallace Thirll
3 Entries
William Barrett
November 11, 2007
I had many occasions to enjoy playing in bands with Wally, listening to his fine beat and hearing his many entertaining stories. I recall reading in a book by the great jazz bassist Red Mitchell that Wally had given him his first bass lessons while Mitchell was a Cornell student. Wally was proud of that. He also told me that he started out as a dancer. I never saw him dance but I often imagined him doing so. He was a really nice guy and will be missed by all who knew him.
Bill Barrett
Dick Sheridan
November 10, 2007
How many evenings we shared with Wally playing with Johnny Russo for Cornell fraternities. I always enjoyed the good talks between sets. I remember especially Wally speaking of playing at the Cocoanut Grove in Boston the night of that tragic fire. Wally escaped unharmed although many were not so fortunate. Wally was a fine musician, soft spoken, always interesting and with enviable endurance even in his advanced years. I feel fortunate to have seen Wally several times after he took up residence at Lakeside. He was one of the "good guys", and he'll be missed but fondly remembered.
Garland Moody
November 9, 2007
I will miss you dearly, Uncle Wally. I remember you teaching me chords and tunes on the bass guitar and having french toast for breakfast with you and Aunt Amanda on Sundays. Love you madly...Your Nephew, Moochie
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