Robert Wallace

Waterford — Robert “Bob” William Wallace, 62, a longtime resident of Waterford, passed away on Friday, April 6, 2018, after a long illness.

He was born on Dec. 29, 1955, the son of Frederick H. Wallace and Dorothy J. Wallace. Robert attended Waterford High School and shortly thereafter started working at Pittsburgh Paints in New London. After service in the Navy, he found his passion in the boating and sports fishing industry. Nothing brought him greater pleasure than selling motorboats to those who shared a love of the water at both Boats Inc. in Niantic and Spicer’s Marina in Groton. He would not have asked for a better job than making people happy by selling them a boat — “the larger the better” he would say, and the bonus of helping them fish off those big boats.

Bob was also a longtime member of the Goshen Firehouse for over 40 years. He took pride in helping out every year without fail at the annual Fireman’s Day, usually earning a pair of sore hands from shucking many a clam to make chowder for the crowds to enjoy.

He is preceded in death by his father, Frederick H. Wallace; and sister, Jean L. Wallace.

Robert leaves behind his son, Christopher F. Wallace of Manchester; his mother, Dorothy J. Wallace; and sister, Susan L. Strong and husband, William E. Strong III, of Waterford. He is also survived by his niece and nephew, Matthew B. Foster of Ledyard, Samantha L. Strong of Pasadena, Calif. and Michael A. Blank of San Jose, Calif.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 9, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic.

www.neilanfuneralhome. com.