Obituary of Thomas William Wallace II

Thomas William Wallace II passed away peacefully on May 23rd at his home in Niskayuna surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born February 25, 1936 in Schenectady, N.Y. to the late Lt. Governor Thomas W. Wallace and the late Beaulah Dufort Wallace. He attended Schenectady City Schools and graduated from Nott Terrace High School in 1954 where he met the love of his life, Elsie Schwarz. After graduation Tom served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. Upon his return he and Elsie married and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Tom’s career was spent working for the State of New York for more than 30 years. Tom went to night school while raising his four children and was a graduate of Union College. His determination and hard work initially led him to the position of Assistant to the Executive Deputy Secretary of State in 1959. He then became the Finance Director of the Department of State’s Election and Law Bureau in 1962 and the Director of the Bureau in 1965. In 1969 Tom was appointed Deputy Secretary of State and then in 1974 he was appointed the first ever Executive Director of the State Board of Elections by Gov. Malcolm Wilson, a position he held until his retirement in 1992. After his retirement Tom continued his career as Coordinator of the Election Committee for the New York State Senate. In addition to his distinguished New York State career Tom was a former member of the American Society for Public Administration, Charter member of the New York State Interdepartmental Council of Fiscal Officers, the Federal Election Commission Advisory Panel, National Association of Election Directors, Advisory Council to the Joint Legislative Committee on Election Law, Knights of Columbus, President of the St. Helen’s PTO, Board President of the Glens Hills Swim Club, Board member of Catholic Charities, member of the Young Republicans Club Board President of his Condo Association. Throughout the years Tom was an avid bowler, golfer, curler, skier, tennis player and poker player, with his lifelong friends. His favorite passion was watching the NY Giants with his family. These interests are still carried on through his children and grandchildren. Tom traveled frequently with his wife and especially loved spending time at his winter home in Ft Myers, FL and summer home at Trout Lake in the Adirondacks. In addition to his wife Tom is survived by his children Thomas Wallace III (Mary) of Boulder, CO, Lynn Barcomb (Michael) of Guilderland, Michael Wallace of Clifton Park, Kevin Wallace (Maria) of Wynanskill, grandchildren Thomas IV and Ryan Wallace, John and Christopher Mannarino, Jordan and Bryan Wallace, Sarah and Emily Wallace, 3 step grandchildren, Trevor Barcomb (Caitlyn), Luke and Callie Barcomb, great grandchild Evan Barcomb, his loving sister Mary D’Isabel, sister-in-law Johanna Munroe, brother-in-law Paul Schwarz (Judy) and several nieces and nephews whom he adored. A Mass of Christian will be celebrated Friday ( May 27) at 9:00 am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church (formerly St. Helen's Church), Union St. Niskayuna with Rev. Bob Longobucco officiating. Calling hours Thursday (26th) from 4-7 pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. Glenville. Interment with military Honor will take place at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery Niskayuna. Contributions may be made in Tom's memory to Alzheimer's Research. The family would like to thank Community Hospice for their wonderful care provided. Donations in Tom’s name can be made to the Alzheimers Association Northeastern New York Chapter at 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205 and the Community Hospice Foundation at 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144.