Obituary
Wallace G. Skalyo Sr., 83, passed away peacefully in Ormond Beach, Florida on July 22, 2024.
Wallace was born on November 6, 1940 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was the second eldest son to John and Anne Skalyo. Both of his parents were of Russian descent and they worked hard to provide a good life for their four boys.
Wallace grew up in Mckees Rocks, PA. (“the Rocks”) where he graduated from South Hills High School in 1958. Wallace furthered his education by attending Grove City College and earned an undergraduate degree in business. He was very active in college and he participated on GCC’s Varsity Swimming Team. It wasn’t a surprise that Wallace wanted to take part in the “Greek Life” and joined Omicron Xi Fraternity where he held many committee positions and honed his social skills.
Wallace worked in Sales his entire career, winning many awards and trips for his achievements. His first job opportunity came from his mom’s relationship with a beauty product supplier (“Baba” had a “beauty shop”/salon in her basement). His VW van was always filled with supplies for his deliveries. From there he worked for a few more health and beauty care companies, to include products like Brylcreem. His last position, before retiring, was with Humko (a division of Kraft Foods), selling private label oil to wholesalers and distributors.
Wallace was a life-long “Stillers” fan and “yinzer”. Wallace and his family could be seen waving their “Terrible Towels” and drinking Iron City beer on most Sundays during football season. In 1970, Wallace picked up his family and moved them to Buffalo because of a job opportunity. Buffalo, another football city, had Wallace splitting his loyalties between two NFL teams: the Steelers and the Bills. Not necessarily in that order.
Years later Wallace retired to a beautiful community in Ormond Beach with his wife Bonnie in 1997, where he stated he was on “permanent vacation”. His hobbies, in order, were listed as golf, golf, and GOLF!
Wallace is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Skalyo. Cherished father of Kristin Whitford (Timothy); Wallace G. Skalyo, Jr.; Gary Skalyo; and Cheryl Nowak (Chris, late). Mother of Wallace’s children, Karen Skalyo. Dearest brother of John Skalyo (late)(Julia); Russell Skalyo (Roanne); and Paul Skalyo (late) (Elaine, late). Wonderful Papa to Alison Skalyo, Amanda Whitford, Bradley Whitford, John Skalyo, Alex Skalyo, Claire Skalyo, Christopher Nowak and Griffin Nowak (late). Great Grandfather of Avery Fink. Wallace is also survived by his bonus children and grandchildren: Tiffany, Rhett, Griffin, Grayson, and Elle Zeigler; Ryan, Mollie, Nora and Brendan Bloom; Katie Bloom and Justin Oblinger.