Wallace DeCoster, 79, of Waldoboro, passed away peacefully Sept. 12 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Wally was born in Boston, Mass. on Jan. 19, 1935, the son of the late Alvah DeCoster Sr. and Mary (Nugent) DeCoster. Growing up in Waltham, Wally attended local schools and was a graduate of Waltham High School with the class of 1952.
After school Wally joined the U.S. Army where he bravely served for three years during the Korean War, with 18 months spent on the ground in Korea. Upon completion of his time in the service, he returned home to Massachusetts. He married the love of his life Beverly (Wood) DeCoster and the two lived in Holliston, Mass. for 43 years raising their family. Wally worked for the Honeywell Corporation as a drafting engineer for his career before retiring to Maine in 1996.
Wally loved the ocean and always felt a calling to the shore. He enjoyed boating, sailing, and fishing. On land Wally spent countless hours tending to his various gardens around his house. In his younger years he enjoyed playing music and played drums for a local band in Massachusetts. He was a skilled carpenter as can be seen by all of the work he did in building his home in Waldoboro.
In his retirement he worked as a substitute teacher for 17 years at AD Gray School as well as both Medomak Valley Middle School and High School. Wally also spent 10 years as a host on the Down-easter Railroad where he was able to enjoy Maine’s scenery from a different perspective. He was always looking at ways to give back to his community.
Wally was active in the American Legion Charles C. Lilly Post 149 in Waldoboro as well as a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus in Bath. Wally also enjoyed politics whether it be talking about it or participating and was very proud to have served on the finance committee while living in Holliston.
Wally was a hard worker and could be stubborn but it was only because he wanted the job done and he wanted it done right. He was detail oriented and could always be seeing jotting down appointments in his black book, making sure that everything fit into his schedule. He loved his family and was always glad to have them around. His favorite holiday was Thanksgiving as all of the family would most likely be together. After a hard day’s work Wally enjoyed nothing more than relaxing during the 4 o’clock “Party Time” with a 7 and 7.
He was predeceased by brother, Alvah DeCoster Jr.; sister, Gertrude Mcgann; and son-in-law, Steven Pancygrau.
Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Beverly DeCoster of Waldoboro; son, Billy DeCoster and wife Denise of Franklin, Mass.; daughter, Robin Pancygrau of Chelmsford, Mass.; grandchildren; Justin, Ryan, Samantha, Tyler, Jillian, and Henry; sister, Kay Kaufman of California; brother-in-law, Gordon Wood and wife Louise of Providence, R.I.; and faithful four-legged companion, Zoey.
A time of visitation and remembrance will be held from 5-7 p.m., Wed., Sept. 17 at Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro, and a mass of thanksgiving and celebration will be held at 11 a.m., Thurs., Sept. 18 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 380 Academy Hill Rd., Newcastle. Interment will be held following the service at Dutch Neck Cemetery in Waldoboro. A reception will follow at the family’s home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society or to the American Heart Association.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories, and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro.
