Robert James Wallace, Sr. passed away Monday, January 11, 2021 at the age of 87. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn A. Wallace of nearly twenty-five years. Bob was the loving father to nine children – Linda Thieneman, Robert (Colleen) Wallace, Jr. (deceased), Matthew (Emily) Wallace, Virginia (James) Birchler, John (Jacqueline) Wallace, Christine Basic-Krowiarz (Stanley Krowiarz), Michael (Amy) Wallace, Joseph (Susan) Wallace, Angela (Charan) Leng. Bob was an enthusiastic grandfather to twenty-nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife Judith Anita (Barth) Wallace and by his eldest son Bob, Jr.  

Bob was born January 30, 1933 in Detroit, MI, the youngest of three sons, to Margaret Agnes and Augustine Joseph Wallace. Bob’s family were parishioners of St. Rita Catholic Church, where Bob attended elementary and high school, graduating as Salutatorian of his St. Rita High School class. He then enrolled at the University of Detroit, pursuing a degree in chemistry. In his youth, Bob was a percussion musician and performed in many different bands. He joined the U of D marching band in college, where he met Judy. Bob graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Chemistry in June 1954. A few days later, Bob and Judy were married.

Following college graduation, Bob started work at US Rubber Corp in Detroit (later UniRoyal). He then accepted a teaching fellowship at the University of Detroit where he worked towards a Master of Chemistry degree, with a minor in Physics. Two years later, near the completion of his master’s degree, General Motors Corporation offered Bob a working fellowship, where he worked for the GM legal staff during the day and attended law school at night. He started working in Washington D.C., attending Georgetown University Law Center. Bob later transferred back to Detroit, where he completed his law education at Wayne State University Law School. Graduating in 1960, he joined the Michigan Bar the following year.  Bob continued to work for the GM legal staff, where he spent his career until retiring from GM in January of 1993. A patent attorney, Bob specialized in semi-conductors and integrated circuits. He received awards from GM for his work and was also recognized by GM for his scientific accomplishments. The US Patent Office awarded Bob two patents on his science ideas involving integrated circuits. Upon retirement from General Motors, Bob worked of counsel with the Harness, Dickey, & Pierce law firm for over a decade. 

Together with Judy, Bob raised his family in Southfield, attending St. Michael’s Parish (now Transfiguration Parish). A man of faith, Bob was an active member of Transfiguration for over fifty years. Following Judy’s death in January 1995, Bob married former GM colleague Marilyn in May 1996. Since that time, Bob enjoyed spending time and traveling with Marilyn, playing music, and keeping up with the many activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A private funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 16th, at 10:00 a.m. To ensure the safety of family and friends during this difficult time, the immediate family requests that extended family and friends join remotely via https://www.facebook.com/transfigurationsouthfield?fref=nf. Arrangements entrusted to McCabe Funeral Home, Farmington Hills.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s name are appreciated to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or Autism Speaks, 1 East 33rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016.

The family plans to hold a memorial service in the future to honor Bob’s life for all family and friends, when public health standards allow for such a live gathering to be done safely.