William Wallace

1923 - 2021

Wallace, William
William (Bill) L. Wallace, 97, of Orange, Connecticut, beloved husband of the late Virginia C. Wallace, died after a brief illness on January 17, 2021. Bill was born August 2, 1923 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and he was the son of the late George R. and Jacquetta (Clements) Wallace.
Bill grew up in and around Pittsburgh, graduating from Oakmont High School. He attended Yale University twice - graduating in 1943 with a B.S. Economics and in 1948 with a B.E. with high Honors from the Engineering school. Bill was elected to the Sigma Xi Honorary Scientific Fraternity. He was a retired Marine Major, having served in WWII and Korea, where he earned a Purple Heart.
Bill had a long, varied, productive business career, beginning at Ford Motor Company where he was on the team that launched the Lincoln Continental in 1956. After leaving Ford, Bill worked for the Whirlpool Corporation in both Benton Harbor, MI and as the General Manager of the home range Division in Hamilton, Ohio. In 1961, he joined the Winchester Western Division of the Olin Corporation. When he was promoted to General Manager in 1964, he oversaw the expansion of Winchester and Olin overseas and into diverse businesses such as Olin Skis, camping equipment and the Ramset division. During his tenure, the business doubled in size while Winchester celebrated its 100th anniversary, supported the global World Wildlife Foundation, as well as the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Pony Express and expansion of the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum in Cody, Wyoming. Bill was promoted to Senior VP of Olin in 1971.
After leaving Olin in 1974, Bill became the President of IZON, a start-up venture focused on commercializing new optical technology. During the last years of his career, he conducted nearly 200 strategy development projects for companies around the world, sharing his experience and wisdom before retiring in 1995.
Bill's first love was his wife Ginny, who he met when they both worked at the Yale Faculty Club. They were married for 73 years. Bill and Ginny traveled the world together, first for work, then playing golf in exotic places. They also enjoyed playing bridge and golf with dear friends closer to home and in Florida. Bill's second love was his family. Whether sharing experiences traveling, his deep knowledge of history and family genealogy, or celebrating special occasions, he enjoyed every moment with his children, grandchildren and extended family. Those who loved him and knew him will remember his curiosity, his enthusiasm for learning and his wisdom.
Bill is survived by his children, William L. Wallace, III and Martha (DuBois) Wallace, and Mary Wallace Jaensch; his grandchildren, Andrew and Julie (Monteagudo) Jaensch, Nicholas and Carly (Gordon) Jaensch, Katharine Jaensch, William (Will) L. Wallace IV and Carolyn Wallace as well as his cherished great-grandchildren, Max and Theo Jaensch.
The family would like to thank all of the aids who have so carefully and lovingly cared for Bill during the last several years, and to the Hospice nurses and social workers who made the last weeks of his life comfortable.
All services are private. Memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice in Bill's name: https://www.hospice.com/. The family is being compassionately cared for by Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.