Ira M. Wallach

Ira M. Wallach

Age 72, entered into rest at his home in Newton, MA on December 5, 2020 after a lengthy illness, about which he was private and courageous. Beloved husband of Carol S. Wallach (Helfen) with whom he shared 56 years of companionship, including the last 42 years in devoted loving marriage. Cherished father of Dr. Jennifer R. Wallach and her husband Daniel Penrod of Newton, and Rebecca A. Wallach and her husband Eric Roberts of Chestnut Hill. Proud and loving “Pops” of his grandchildren Lucy and Ruby Penrod, and Avi Roberts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Shirley Wallach (Cohen) and brother Steven “Butchie” Wallach. He is survived by his sister Saranda “Randy” Wallach and brother Jonathan Wallach, both of Boston.

Mr. Wallach held lifelong passions for public service and environmental advocacy. He practiced law for 42 years including 3 years in the Boston District Attorney’s office and 36 years at the Massachusetts Port Authority until he retired in 2016 as Associate Chief Legal Counsel. Additionally, Mr. Wallach chaired the Newton Conservation Commission from 1996 to 2019. In late 2020, prior to his passing, the Commission named a trail in honor of Mr. Wallach’s nearly 24 years of service and careful stewardship.

Mr. Wallach was a logophile and Francophile with a penchant for precision and esoteric facts. He was a deep conceptual thinker who viewed the world and the people in it with both astounding complexity and remarkable clarity. Colleagues, friends, and family described him as wry, humble, and fiercely loyal, and often sought his unique perspective and guidance. Mr. Wallach had a passion for playing tennis, sailing, and flying and was a gifted orator; especially remembered are the speeches he delivered at his daughters’ weddings. His favorite days were spent in Hull, Massachusetts: sailing through the gut with Carol or sitting with his family on the porch at the bay, giggling with his grandchildren while eating orange creamsicles. His birthdays there were spent in celebration: savoring absurdly large lobsters, chocolate cake, and an annual, graceful, fully-clothed “dip” in the Atlantic Ocean.

Funeral services will be private however a celebration of life will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Boston Harbor Now. Additionally, in place of shiva, please send any photographs, videos or written memories of Ira to ira.pops.wallach@gmail.com. His family will read, listen, and view these together.