David Wallingford

Born in Boston, MA, on December 21, 1929, to Howard and Marion Wilson Wallingford, Dave grew up in neighboring Belmont and attended Belmont Hill School, where he played soccer and tennis. He later attended Colby College, majoring in Business. A proud member of the Zeta Psi fraternity, he played tennis and ice hockey and met his future wife, Betsy. His best friend, Mark Powley—Betsy’s brother—introduced them, and there began their great love story. Dave and Betsy remained close with many of their Colby classmates over the years and rarely missed a reunion, official or otherwise.

Dave and Betsy were married on July 9, 1955, in Madison, New Jersey. They enjoyed an extended honeymoon in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, where Dave was stationed with the U.S. Army 2nd Armored Division “Hell on Wheels.” Following his Army commitment, Dave began his career in sales and marketing of petroleum handling equipment, traveling across the United States and Canada, where he found balance wearing wingtips on the carpet and work boots in the mud. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to form The Wallingford Group, representing manufacturers and suppliers to the industry.

In 1963, Dave and Betsy settled in Sudbury, MA, where they built a life centered on love, family, adventure, and community while raising their three sons. The newly built Saint Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church quickly became their home parish, where they worshiped and served for almost 60 years. Dave’s deep faith was most often expressed through service—and serve he did. In addition to his work with Building and Grounds, there was hardly a committee on which he did not serve, chair, or advise, including several terms on the Vestry. Late-night phone calls regarding maintenance issues were frequently followed by a short drive to assess—and most often fix—the problem. As a regular “Eight O’Clocker,” Dave was passionate about the historic Chapel. He was also a spirited charter member of Saint Elizabeth’s softball team, “The Saints,” 1989 champions of the so-called “Miracle on Dirt.” Whether playing or cheering from the sidelines, Dave gave it his all. The “Wally Award,” presented to the player who best exemplifies Saints team spirit, was named in his honor.

A natural athlete, Dave’s love of tennis fostered lifelong friendships with Sudbury residents, even before he became one himself. Saturday morning matches at home courts or Featherland Park were part of his regular routine, as were winter pickup hockey games across the parking lot.

As a member of the Sudbury Companies of Militia & Minute, Dave was ever present at musters, drills, and regular meetings at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in preparation for the annual April 19 Patriots’ Day celebration. Each year, he donned his tricorn hat, standing with his family in colonial dress at the town green to see their patriots off before joining the march to Concord and across “the rude bridge that arched the flood.”

Countless Sudbury youth benefited from Dave’s generous time and leadership as a volunteer with his sons’ Little League baseball and youth soccer teams, as well as Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Neighborhood children were frequent visitors to his garage, workshop, and yard, spending time with “Mr. Wally” as he undertook “all things weekend.” A jack of all trades and master of some, Dave took pride in his wide-ranging skills, from carpentry and woodworking to painting, wallpapering, electrical work, and plumbing.

In 2005, Dave and Betsy were joyfully celebrated by family and friends at a surprise party in Sudbury honoring their Golden Anniversary. The stories, riotous laughter, and love shared that day still resonate with those who were present.

Above all, Dave loved his family and friends deeply. He cared genuinely about others and took a sincere interest in their lives. Nothing pleased him more than spending time together, sharing stories and laughter. “Pappy” was his highest and most cherished title. Cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting and cultural events brought him immense joy. He journeyed through life with strong, unyielding character, a hearty laugh, and a cheerful whistle. Those who knew him loved him and will long hear the echo of his laughter and whistling in their memories.

Dave is survived by his wife of 70 years, Elizabeth Wallingford (Powely); his brother-in-law, Mark Edgar Powley; his sons, Jeffrey Wallingford (Amanda), Christopher Wallingford (Patricia Cranmer), and Todd Wallingford (Jennifer); his granddaughters, Krista Devon Maitland (Ryan), Marley Joy Wallingford, and Rudy Joy Wallingford; his grandsons, William David Wallingford and Edward Custis Wallingford; his great-grandson, Theodore Tyler Maitland; and many much-loved nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held on March 7 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Sudbury, MA.