Obituary of George Wallace

George Wallace of Woburn, died peacefully with his wife by his side, after complications associated with dementia, March 26, 2020, at the age of 91. Beloved husband of Margaret (Rita) McIntosh. Devoted father of Douglas and his wife Rhonda and Madeline (Mandy) Clemente and her husband Adam, all of Woburn. Devoted grandfather of Amber, Douglas and Brittany Wallace. Born in Glasgow, Scotland on March 20, 1929 the thirteenth child of eighteen children to Charles and Jessie Ann (Hale) Wallace. He was always very proud to tell everyone that he was one of eighteen children. George was a Scientific Instrument Maker by trade and served in the Royal Air Force in Great Britain. While serving, in his platoon, he received the best score in marksmanship. In today’s world he would be considered a sharp shooter. He was a talented ballroom dancer and while attending one of these dances, he met the love of his life, Rita. They married on March 26, 1955 and journeyed together for the next 65 years. In 1955, after only being married for a short time and sponsored by his brother Alex and his wife Jean, George and Rita left their families behind in Scotland and travelled to America, “the land of opportunity.” At that time their only means of transportation was by ship. It took George and Rita two weeks to travel from Scotland to Boston, settling in Medford. In 1970, George and Rita moved into a brand new house on the west side of Woburn. Being a talented machinist, George had no problem securing a job at Tufts University where he remained for 33 years, retiring in 1994. Up until recently, George and Rita attended many ballroom dances with their friends from the Irish American Club of Arlington. George and Rita graced the dance floor with beauty and charm, moving effortlessly as one. They complimented each other both on and off the dance floor. George was an avid soccer fan, backing his home team, the Rangers, his entire life. He attended almost all of his grandchildren’s soccer, baseball, softball games and track meets. Once, when his grandson’s team won the State Championship, he also received a trophy for being the #1 Fan. George was also a certified FIFA referee. He was a jack of all trades and could fix almost anything. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed working in his yard. His yard was meticulous, he used to say, “the grass is always greener in Mr. Wallace’s yard!” and it was absolutely true. He was a patient, kind, quiet, polite and gentle man. He loved his family and was a wonderful role model for his children and grandchildren. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be sorely missed by all that loved and knew him. Besides his wife, children and grandchildren, he leaves behind his two special nieces Sandra Gibson and Elizabeth Wallace, his sister-in-law Harriett Brown and three sisters, all of Scotland, their families and many, many nieces, nephews and friends. Due to the coronavirus, arrangements are private. Remembrances may be made in honor of George to the Shriners Hospital for children at Shrinershospitalsforchildren.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Arthur P. Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Road, Woburn, Massachusetts.