Mel Wallace

Mel Wallace passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 28, 2017.

Born February 20, 1931, in the Bronx, NY, Mel was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served in the Korean War. He graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, where he was student body president; attended the London School of Economics as a Fulbright Scholar; and earned a Master of Social Work degree at Adelphi University. He served as chair of the Criminal Justice Department at McHenry County College for 25 years, working alongside his wife, Suzanne, who survives him. He was a beloved and respected criminal justice professional and educator. He served terms as president of the Illinois Academy of Criminology and vice president of the McHenry County Child Advocacy Center Board, and was a member of the Chiefs of Police Associations for McHenry County and Illinois.

Though Mel lived many lifetimes’ worth of adventures, his proudest accomplishment was his family. Along with his wife, he is survived by his children, Robin (Ze’ev), Max (Morag), Jeremy (Kate) and Hope (Adam); and by six beloved grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother.

A memorial service to honor Mel’s life will be held Sunday, February 19, at 2 p.m., at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (Rte. 176) Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

Mel was a passionate advocate for education and social justice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union, www.aclu.org, or to Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock St., Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, www.clpl.org.