Kevin Joseph Wallace, the son of Daniel and Patricia Wallace, was born in Walnut Creek, CA. He grew up in Bowie, MD prior to attending West Point. He graduated with a B.S. in applied science and engineering in 1984. His first assignment was with the 3rd Armored Division, Kirchgoens, Germany. Kevin’s next tour was with the 7th Infantry Division, Fort Ord, CA. He served in Operation Just Cause in 1989 in the Republic of Panama and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge.
While in the Army, Kevin married Laura on July 4, 1987 at the Catholic Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity. They have three children: Matt, Aileen and Brendan, all baptized at West Point. In the years that followed, there were several trips back to the Academy for reunions and football games.
After the military, Laura and Kevin settled in Pennsylvania. He was active in his community, serving as a member of the 7th Congressional District’s West Point Selection Board for over 20 years. Kevin was committed to supporting the military, sending care packages to troops overseas. His family continues to do this every year in his memory.
Kevin enjoyed a successful career in the financial services industry as an executive with Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and Janney Montgomery Scott, serving as director of learning and professional development and then as VP of Wealth Management. He was extremely talented and inspired countless financial advisors and colleagues to excel in their careers within the financial services industry.
The friendship and memories Kevin made at West Point punctuated and enhanced his life until its end. The following are some thoughts from a few members of the Class of 1984.
HR McMaster sent along these memories: “Kevin was a most faithful and empathetic friend. He was a gentleman who played a hooligan’s sport. I met him on the rugby pitch, but our friendship deepened off it. Kevin lived life with great joy and sincerity. I picture him always smiling and without pretense. He was selfless and always looking to help others. But it was his family that completed him and magnified his zest for life. His deep love for Laura, Matthew, Aileen, and Brendan was apparent to all and made the Wallace home a place of great warmth in which happiness was contagious.”
Chris “Paco” Pacheco added: “Kevin and I met as 18-year-old kids. We were plebes in Company C-4. I have many fond memories, from driving to Florida with Bob Welch and Dan Caraccio and ending up on the wrong side of the state, to Kevin getting two speeding tickets—one going into Florida and one leaving Florida—both in the same spot! Kevin gave me my nickname. We were in plebe Spanish class doing a dialogue. My character was Paco. Kevin thought the alliteration of Paco Pacheco was hilarious. Forty years later, all my ’84 classmates still call me Paco. Thanks Kevin. It was comforting to know my friend and his family were doing well. I miss the deliberate way he thought through any response and his thoughtfully delivered response. I miss his dry sense of humor. Godspeed, well done Kevin. Til we meet in heaven.”
Charlie Millar noted: “Kevin holds a unique place in my life. I met him plebe year in the beer line at Ike Hall. Our lives became similar when he, like me, was dating a girl at Albany State. He and I would have deep discussions about the future and life in general. I realized two things from our discussions: that Kevin was very driven and that nothing meant more to him than having a family. I was very happy and proud to be a groomsman when he married Laura at West Point. Kevin had completed Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School by then and had a very distinguished career as an infantry officer. We left the Army, and both chose a career in financial services. He was a great mentor and friend. Kevin was not a one trick pony, while establishing a solid career he was able to build a family with Laura and they had three wonderful children. Laura and the kids were his focus, and they were able to pack a lot of living and good times into their lives. The family trip to Ireland was the highlight of Kevin’s life and he couldn’t help but smile when he told another tale of their travels to his ancestral home. Kevin was a good man. A life well lived, a wonderful legacy left behind. Well Done; Be Thou at Peace.”
Bob Welch shared his thoughts: “Kevin was one of my oldest and dearest friends and one of the few that I kept in contact with from West Point. From the time that we were roommates together we got along famously. We were both quiet people in our own way with a healthy sense of humor. Since that time long ago Kevin remained a constant and steadfast friend, husband, and father. That Kevin’s children have grown up to be intelligent, poised, personable, and successful people is no surprise to me. He was as just a caring and generous man at 20 as he was at 54. Kevin was a man of great courage and fortitude. He was indeed a great man.”
In addition to his wife, Laura, he is survived by his children: Brendan, Aileen, Matthew (and his wife, Caitie), as well as by grandchildren Griffin and Gavin. Kevin is also survived by his siblings: Sean, Regina, Nancy, and David.
— Laura Wallace and classmates