Wallace Ellsworth Godfrey Jr.

1930 - 2016

BURLINGTON, VT - Wallace Ellsworth Godfrey, Jr., 85, passed away on January 5, 2016 at the University of Vermont Medical Center, located in Burlington, Vermont.
He was born in New Salem, MA, November 6, 1930, the son of Elsie (Carlson) and Wallace Godfrey, Sr.
He graduated from New Salem Academy in 1949. It was at New Salem Academy where he met his future wife of 65 years, Violet Ann Carey. They were married on March 18, 1950. He was predeceased by his wife who died on December 7, 2015.
Wallace leaves his sisters, Shirley Svetaka, New Salem, MA, Gloria Saben, Turners Falls, MA, Joyce Manning-Lawrence, St Petersburg Beach, FL, and Kathy Godfrey, New Salem, MA. He also leaves his brothers-and-sisters-in-law Radcliffe and wife Gloria Carey, Smyrna, DE, Thomas and wife Becky Carey, New Salem, MA, Richard and wife Margaret Carey, Leverett, MA., and sister-in-law, Hilda Carey Williams, Moores Corner, MA. Wallace was predeceased by his parents, Elsie and Wallace Godfrey, Sr., brother, James Godfrey, mother and father-in-law, Vera (Wentworth) and Ralph Carey and brothers-in-law, Joseph Svetaka, Harold Saben, and Ralph (Sonny) Carey.
Wallace leaves four children, whom he generously shared his wisdom with, selflessly supported, and mentored in any way that he possibly could, Valerie and husband, Winton Goodrich, Berlin, VT, Peter and wife Ruth Godfrey, Montgomery Center, VT, Tami Godfrey, Stowe, VT, and Luke and wife Amy Godfrey, Montgomery Center, VT, ex-wife Kim and husband Donnie Stebbins (Drew), Northfield, MA, and his long-time friend and hunting buddy, Frank Robert, Turners Falls, MA.
Wallace leaves 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, Hilary and husband, Adam Black (Ellie, Leah and Cora), Brasstown, NC, Garrett and wife Gina Goodrich (Violet and Brady), Bakersfield, CA, Julie and husband, Rob Sweet (Grace), Swanton, VT, Keith and wife Kara Godfrey (Bailey), Montgomery Center, VT, Tyler and wife Lisa Godfrey (Emmalyn and Brantley), Northfield, MA, Rose and husband Josh Webber (Savannah and Ava), Orleans, VT, Craig Godfrey, Montgomery Center, VT, Colleen Godfrey McHugh, Stowe, VT, Meaghan Godfrey McHugh, Stowe, VT, Ashley Godfrey McHugh, Stowe, VT, and Nicole Rifenburg-Godfrey, Montgomery Center, VT. Wallace thoroughly enjoyed watching family members perform in dance recitals and athletic competitions; often becoming a vocal spectator.
Wallace was employed by Harris Manufacturing, Orange, MA, 1950 – 1952. For 35 years, 1955 - 1990, he worked for the Boston and Maine Railroad/Guilford Transportation, repairing and putting derailed trains back on the tracks.
Wallace served his country in the U. S. Army from 1952-1954. He was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Wallace was always physically active. He was a tough competitor. As a young man, he played on basketball and baseball teams. In later years, he excelled in "around the world" basketball games, playing pool, horseshoes, badminton, and an occasional golf match. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, working his tractor in the woods, four-wheeling, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and camping with his family at Hermit Island, ME and the Outer Banks of NC. He was a diehard Boston Red Sox fan and faithful supporter of the New England Patriots. Wallace was an outstanding "Pitch" card player, enjoying many hours goading opponents and winning small amounts of cash.
Wallace and Violet loved driving around the country, eventually visiting every U.S. state and Canadian province. Their journeys also included Hawaii, Alaska, and many Caribbean islands.
Over the years, Wallace and Violet maintained homes in both North Leverett, MA and Montgomery Center, VT. Before moving permanently to Montgomery Center in 1990, following joint work retirements, the couple commuted every weekend to Vermont. For a decade, both worked in the woods to help the family establish a large-scale maple sugaring operation.
Wallace was known by many names: Wally, Bud, Buddy, Gator, and probably some that shouldn't be published. He was generous, hard-working, and opinionated. But most of all, he was loyal. Wallace steadfastly supported his wife, Violet, as she valiantly fought the ever-increasing challenges of Alzheimer's disease for nearly a decade. His loyalty ensured that Violet could remain at home throughout her long and difficult journey. Wallace could be seen, daily, driving around the back roads of Vermont with Violet at his side. Violet thoroughly enjoyed going for rides and Wallace faithfully spent many hours providing her with this simple pleasure.
There will be no calling hours or funeral service. The family will hold a private graveside service at an undetermined date in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Franklin County Home Health Agency, www.fchha.org, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, Vermont 05478, or the Alzheimer's Association, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Williston, Vermont 05495.
Share condolences or post memories on the Spears Funeral Home web site at www.spearsfuneralhome.com