William E. Wallace

William Eric Wallace, 61 walked peacefully into God's kingdom March 1, 2015. He is survived by his wife Aixa, daughter Alyssa, son William, sisters Sandra (Sutter) and Aileen (Carothers), cousin-brother Raul Perez, and close family and friends too numerous to mention.

"Willy" was born July 8, 1953 in Jersey City, NJ to Jack and Esther Wallace. While still a toddler, his family moved to Florida where his love for baseball was sparked. Many long, hot afternoons were spent playing short stop on dusty baseball diamonds and daydreams of playing for his beloved New York Yankees filled a young man's mind. His baseball passion continued thru high school at Melbourne Central Catholic (class of '71) and Willy played on scholarship at Pensacola Junior College before transferring to Florida State University in 1973.

Bill entered FSU and a new passion was born, a Garnet and Gold passion. He LOVED his new school and had a colorful student and intramural experience with former high school classmates and newfound pals. Ironically nicknamed "Gator" around this same time, his dedication to FSU athletics would grow for the rest of his life. In his twenties he would listen to Gene Deckerhoff and Vic Prinzi's descriptive a.m. radio football broadcasts, in his thirties Bill "covertly" used oversized earbuds for updates on FSU scores while attending weddings or other events. His dedication to the Seminole nation spawned a new generation of FSU enthusiasts in his immediate and extended family.

Bill relished his Latin heritage especially all things Cuban. He loved the food, the culture, and most of all the people. Bill enjoyed traveling and had an affinity for music. From the Doors to Earth, Wind, and Fire he enjoyed the temporary escape of its rhythm.

Bill's professional career began as a cost analyst for Boeing. He lived in Spain and Turkey supporting NASA space shuttle contracts during the 80's until arriving back in Brevard county to spend two decades at KSC working for United Space Alliance.

In 1985 Bill met his love Aixa Rivera and a few years later they were married. His children Alyssa and William were both outlets and sources for his love and affection. For Bill, family was God's gift, and only his Catholic faith came before his family. He attended Ascension Catholic Church and sat on the Ascension elementary school board.

His family thanks everyone who supported Bill during his arduous journey these last few years. You were his reason for living and provided tremendous strength and inspiration.

Visitation is scheduled this Friday March 6th from 6-8 p.m. at the Life Event Center, Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 US Hwy 1, Rockledge, Fl 32955

A funeral mass and celebration of his life will take place at Ascension Catholic Church, 2950 North Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, Fl, 32935 this Saturday March 7th at 11 a.m and a short reception will take place afterwards in the parish hall.

Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. at Florida Memorial Gardens (see above for address).