David R. Wallace

PORTLAND – David R. Wallace, 83, died of natural causes at Seaside Recovery Center in Portland on Valentine’s Day, 2023.

Dave was born on Christmas Eve, 1939 in Portland, the only and devoted son of Walter and Mary (Norton) Wallace of South Portland. He was the beloved younger brother of Marcia Mountford, Elizabeth Lones, and Kathryn Stewart.

Dave attended Lincoln Elementary School, Mahoney Junior High and graduated from South Portland High School in 1960. He found his calling at the University of Wisconsin where he majored in Education, hoping to inspire other students to find their passion. A lifelong learner, he later earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Southern Maine.

In August of 1964, Dave married Susan Hey of Portland and began his teaching career at Hall-Dale Junior High School before being hired to teach History at Portland High School. It was there that he met and befriended many inspirational educators who shared the art and love of teaching. He also enjoyed coaching Portland High School football and baseball.

Dave went on to be principal of Lincoln Junior High School and then principal of Deering High School, which was celebrated as a National School of Excellence under his leadership. David left Portland to become principal and then superintendent of Westbrook schools for

many years. When a position opened in the newly independent Bath School Department, Dave was selected as their first superintendent. In retirement, Dave stepped into leadership roles to help the Saco, South Portland, Livermore Falls, and Brunswick school departments, leaving his personal touches of high standards, fairness and kindness in each place. As education was a vocation not a job, Dave cherished breakfasts with retired and active school leaders until the very end.

Dave spent his spare time lovingly working on and caring for the family camp at Thomas Pond in Raymond. He was tirelessly committed to making it a place for his family and future generations to enjoy. Over the years the self-appointed “King of the Raft” welcomed hundreds of family and friends to this special place, which is the gathering point of the Wallace family each summer. Whether “uncle,” “brother-in-law,” “brother,” “friend” or “Perfect Papa.” Dave was always the center of the festivities!

Dave traveled near and far with his wife to attend the many activities of his children and grandchildren. He was the best dressed Little League coach, often rushing to games and practices from his office as he deftly juggled his work and family responsibilities.

Dave leaves his dearly loved family – his wife of nearly 60 years, Susan; children, Mary Kate Donovan and her husband Kevin of Springfield Virginia, Walter “Beau” Wallace and his wife Holly of Cumberland, Elizabeth “Betsy” Hargrove of Phoenix, Ariz., and Andrew Wallace of Portland. He also is lovingly remembered by his nine grandchildren, Kate, Annie and Owen Donovan; Morgan and Clare Hargrove; Alex and Katie Wallace; and Margot and David Wallace, who loved their Papa endlessly. They were the light of his life. In addition to his immediate family, Dave will be missed by his in-laws and multiple nieces and nephews.

Dave served as a Eucharistic Minister and Chairperson of St. John’s Parish Council in South Portland for several years prior to relocating to Bath. He was most recently a member of Our Lady of Hope and St. Pius X Parish in Portland.

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude for the loving care Dave received at Seaside Healthcare Center. They loved him and he loved them back.

Visitation celebrating Dave’s life will be held at Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland on Friday, Feb. 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. at Saint Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave. in Portland on Saturday, Feb. 25, burial will follow in Forest City Cemetery. To David’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to

Beacon Hospice

52 Atlantic Place, Ste B 50,

South Portland, ME 04106

or to a charity of

your choice.