Ronald Bert Wallace

March 13, 1933 – December 16, 2023

Ronald Bert Wallace — lovingly known as Ronnie, Ron, Dad, Rats, Ratso, Zeda, and Grandpa — passed away on December 16, 2023, at the age of 90.

Ron was born in New Haven, Connecticut, to Jewish immigrants Irving (Izzy) and Rose Wallace, making him a first-generation American. Rose immigrated to the U.S. at six months old, prior to World War I, while Irving arrived as a young boy during the war. Ron was the second of three children, following Elaine and preceded by Linda. He was raised in the Bronx, where his sharp wit and mischievous spirit were formed early. He eventually made his way to California to visit his sister Linda, and ended up staying. He moved to San Pedro, California, where he worked on ships performing various jobs as a Merchant Marine — an experience that shaped much of his independent, adventurous nature. Later, he settled in Los Angeles, where he raised a family and worked for many years as a systems analyst for ARCO.

Ron is survived by Judy, his beloved wife of 54 years, and their children: Ellen Boermeester (Chris), Hillary Alon (Marty), and Dore Wallace (Kristina). He was a devoted grandfather to Lianna, Natalie, Marissa, Desmond, and Anela — and he had a special place in his heart for his granddogs: Angel (RIP), Izzy, Sammy, and Riley, and his sister Linda and family.

He had a passion for travel, classical music, food, and good whiskey. He especially loved listening to his children and grandchildren play their instruments — often while composing wildly inappropriate songs of his own in the background. Ron never took life too seriously, and he never let anyone forget it.  An avid reader, he read about various subjects. Although he was blind, that didn't stop him, as he received his literature on tape/CD via The Braille Institute. He also loved the richness of the Yiddish language, especially the swear words, which were passed on to his children and grandchildren, of course. Despite the fact that he was an atheist, he had strong ties to Judaism as a culture, the rich literature, and of course, the food. 

He was a complicated, hilarious, and deeply loving man. He constantly pushed boundaries, made jokes (most of which couldn’t be repeated in polite company), and lived life unapologetically. Beneath his irreverent sense of humor was a man who fiercely loved his family and wanted the best for them.

Ron’s ashes were scattered at sea off the coast of Long Beach, California, near the spot where his ship first docked when he arrived in California. It was just as he wished—returning to the ocean that had called to him throughout his life.

He will be remembered with laughter, with love, and with a raised glass — likely filled with something strong.

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