Mr. Jeremiah Wallace

Renown and Respected Waterbury Police Detective

MIDDLEBURY – It is with deep sorrow that the family of Jeremiah J. Wallace age 85 of Middlebury, share the news of the passing of their beloved uncle, surrounded by the love of his family on Sunday, February 9th 2025 at the Vitas Innovative Care Unit at Saint Mary’s Hospital. While his battle with cancer was brief, he was valiant and prepared to go home with his indomitable Irish spirit. 

Jerry was born May 20th 1939, the son of the late Michael and Mary (Shea) Wallace. He was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School. Jerry dedicated his life to serving others and upholding the values of public safety through his distinguished career with the Waterbury Police Department, where he retired after decades of service as a detective. Jerry was not only a devoted public servant but also a man of many passions. While serving on the police force, Jerry organized the Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run. 

A fervent sports enthusiast, he followed his favorite teams with enthusiasm, cheering on the Boston Red Sox, the New York Giants, Boston Celtics and UConn Basketball. His love for sports extended to local endeavors, as he closely followed NVL Boys basketball and baseball. He also enjoyed spending time on the golf course as a proud member of the East Mountain Golf League. Jerry had a passion for running. He spent years running many local races finishing at the top of his age group and proudly completing the Boston Marathon in 1981. Jerry shared his passion for running with his niece, Kathleen, coaching her to follow in his footsteps of marathon running. Jerry was a fan of Pomperaug High School Cross Country, as he proudly cheered on his great nephews Daniel and Eoin. Beyond his professional and athletic pursuits, Jerry was an active member of the GreaterWaterbury YMCA, the Waterbury Elks Club and a member of The Ancient Order of Hibernians, where he forged lasting friendships and contributed positively to his community, proud of his Irish heritage.

Although he never had children of his own, Jerry dedicated himself to his niece Kathleen and nephew Michael and great nieces Maggie, Maren, Olivia and great nephews Daniel and Eoin. He was always present in their lives treating them as if they were his own children and grandchildren. Jerry was a giant of everything good, humility, integrity, generosity. He embodied what it means to give and love selflessly. He leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable memories. May he forever rest in peace in the arms of our Lord.

Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memory are his niece, nephew and great nieces and great nephews. Kathleen Riley Collette and her husband Daniel of Middlebury, with whom he lived, Michael Wallace Riley and his wife Kristan Maccini of Wethersfield, Daniel M. Collette, Marguerite Collette, Eoin Collette of Middlebury, Maren Riley and Olivia Riley of Wethersfield. He was predeceased by his siblings; Lawrence Wallace, Kathleen Wallace, Maureen Wallace Riley and her late husband Michael J. Riley. 

Funeral services for Mr. Wallace will be held on Tuesday February 18th 2025 at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St, Waterbury, CT. Those planning to attend are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial with Waterbury Police Departmental Honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury. Relatives and friends may pay their respects and visit with the Wallace family on Monday, February 17th 2025 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St, Waterbury, CT 06705. To honor Jerry’s memory, contributions to the CT Special Olympics at www.soct.org or to the Jimmy Fund at www.jimmyfund.org would be greatly appreciated by his family. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence or words of comfort or share a memory of someone important to you with your family and friends. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so. To send flowers or a gift to the family, please visit our Sympathy Store.