Wallace Amos, Sr

Wallace Hall Everett Amos was born July 20, 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and departed this life on December 5, 2022.

Wallace was the third child of the late Fletcher Monroe Amos and Mallie Elizabeth White Amos, and is predeceased by brothers Fletcher Monroe Amos, Jr. and Malcom D. Amos.
Wallace’s family was a fixture in their North Philadelphia neighborhood, where he attended Vaux Junior High and later followed his older brothers, attending Central High School in the Olney section of the city. As a student at Central, Wallace was recognized as a Barnwell Scholar for his high academic achievement. He also excelled on the gridiron as a three-year varsity letter awardee and recipient of the Sarah Rosenberg Memorial trophy as the most outstanding player of the 1956 Central High School Football team. In 1958, Wallace matriculated to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, after receiving the John McKee Merit Scholarship. As a freshman walk-on member of Northwestern's football team, Wallace’s teammates included future NFL players Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, and Irv Cross. Weathered by the harsh Illinois winters, Wallace transferred to Penn State University after his freshman year to continue his studies. At Penn State, Wallace pledged Omega Psi Phi fraternity and served as Dean of Pledges for the Spring ‘61 line. He graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. It was here in State College that he met Thomasennia Sims, his Love and eventual life-long mate, whom he wed in 1961 following graduation. Soon after marrying, Wallace and Thomasennia settled in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia and in 1962, they welcomed their first child, Wallace Jr. Their union also produced a second child, Christopher Sims, who was born in 1970. As his family grew, Wallace worked diligently to grow professionally as well. Early on, he worked for Arc Electronics, the Franklin Institute, and General Electric, eventually landing at Burroughs Corporation which later became Unisys. As a recognized expert in the specialized field of electromagnetic compatibility, Wallace chaired and was a technical advisor to several international committees on the subject. In this capacity, Wallace traveled extensively overseas, visiting countries like Switzerland, Germany, France, and Italy. A true Renaissance Man, his business travel developed in him an appreciation for diverse cultures, international cuisine, the fine arts, and world history. Wallace retired from Unisys in 2000, after 40 years with the company. Wallace was a devoted family man with a myriad of interests and hobbies. With family roots in the deep South, he was a rabid Civil War buff, and family vacations often included visits to famous battlefields. He was a sharp poker player, and also enjoyed competitive rounds of board games with his family. Perhaps most prominent among Wallace’s hobbies was handball, a sport he picked up as a child growing up in North Philadelphia. Wallace played weekly at the YMCA in Germantown, PA and ultimately competed on the amateur level, winning or placing in several regional and national tournaments. In addition to feeding his competitive spirit, handball also kept Wallace in great physical shape - something his doctors attributed to him fighting and ultimately winning a battle with advanced lung cancer in 2000.

Wallace was a die-hard fan of his hometown Eagles, Phillies, and Sixers, rooting regularly for them during their respective seasons. Regarded by family, friends, and colleagues as a man of varied experience, vast knowledge and trusted wisdom, he was always willing to offer relevant advice regarding life’s challenges - be they personal, professional, financial, or otherwise.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years Thomasennia, two sons Wallace Jr. and Christopher, daughter-in-love Maureen, grandchildren Sydney Lauren and Christopher Jacob,
and a long list of nieces, nephews, former colleagues and friends.

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