Wallace Hanemann Paletou

Wallace passed away peacefully on September 1, 2020 at the age of 78. He was born December 20, 1941 to the late Maude Alexandra Parsons Paletou and Joseph Wallace Paletou. He is survived by his loving wife Marge Canar Paletou, his only sister Clara Paletou, his godchild Alex Redfearn and numerous loving cousins.

Wallace was a kind and understanding man, passionate about the law, helping his clients, sailing, technology, teaching, and his Catholic faith.

He graduated from Jesuit High School, Tulane University with a degree in English and went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from Tulane Law School. His first position was with an Admiralty Law firm where he worked for 2 years. Much of Wallace’s early law years were spent in general civil practice with a primary focus on real estate law as the title attorney for American General Savings & Loan Association.

Wallace’s father, J. Wallace Paletou was a REALTOR© and as a young boy Wallace loved helping in his father’s office. With his strong appreciation of the professionalism of REALTORS© gained from the time spent with his father, Wallace opened Advocate Title Corporation in 1978. He married Marge in 1979 and shortly after their union, Marge offered to help in the office. From that point on, the two worked side by side for many years, building a successful business and life together. With the support of his wife and staff, Wallace became highly regarded by clients, buyers, sellers, REALTORS© and fellow attorneys for his excellence of knowledge and service in the industry. Following the passing of Delta Title owner Paul Morphy, the new Delta president called upon Wallace for guidance and advice. It was eventually suggested that Advocate Title and Delta Title merge, which they did in 2001 and Wallace was an essential member of one of the most respected title companies in the Greater New Orleans area today.

Wallace served as the Board Attorney for The Real Estate Board of New Orleans before it merged with the Jefferson Board of REALTORS© in 1992 and became New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS© (NOMAR). He also served as Board Attorney for the Saints Board of REALTORS© until 2014, when it merged with NOMAR. He served as President of the Saints Board of REALTORS© and as it’s Regional Vice President of the Louisiana REALTORS© Association.. In 2010 he was honored as NOMAR’s Affiliate of the Year.

Wallace’s love of teaching was shown through his years of participation in educational programing provided by Delta Title, NOMAR and the Bar Associations. He delighted in the time spent sharing information gained over his many years in the industry and valued and encouraged agents and attorneys to bring their knowledge and experience to him and his classes.

Wallace’s passion for technology developed in the early years of personal computers. He would spend countless hours reading manuals learning to master this new development. He eventually created the first software program used for closings at Advocate Title, before there was any such software available, and even shared his program with other area title companies. As with real estate, Wallace’s dedication to sharing his knowledge resulted in him teaching a number of computer courses for adults, in the Gert Town area, at the Dominican Peace Center over the past 5 years.

Wallace’s enthusiasm for sailing developed in college where he was a member of the Tulane Sailing Club. It continued on with racing at Southern Yacht Club until sadly, Katrina took his boat. He was not deterred by the loss though. He simply became more involved in the management of the racing programs, both locally and with the Gulf (Coast) Yachting Association. Once again, his passion for teaching merged with his love of life on the water as he shared his knowledge and skills of running races with those who wanted to learn and for many years he was a boating safety instructor with the New Orleans Power Squadron.

Last but far from the least, Wallace’s devotion to the Catholic faith led him to become an active parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish on Esplanade Ave, New Orleans. For many years he has been a frequent Scripture Reader and Eucharistic Minister on Sundays, a post which he valued greatly.

Wallace has left a lasting legacy in the community and will forever be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Due to COVID-19, a private funeral will be held.

In lieu of Flowers, donations, in memory of Wallace, may be made to Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 or to a charity of your choice.

Please add your memory below by hitting "ADD A MEMORY" icon.