Submitted by his wife
Captain Robert E. Wallingford Jr.‚ born January 6‚ 1949‚ was a life-long resident of South Portland‚ Maine‚ a 30 year member of its Volunteer Fire Department‚ a Police Reserve Member of 10 years and a diesel mechanic / heavy equipment operator for South Portland Public Works for 23 years until his death. August 27. 1996‚ Captain Robert (Bobby) Wallingford Jr. died of a massive heart attack while fighting his city’s largest fire in its history‚ the Portland Welding Fire.
Bobby was an outstanding example of leadership‚ unselfish devotion to community‚ pride and loyalty. Firefighting was undeniably a family love and tradition. His father‚ brother‚ a sister and his own three children‚ Robert III‚ Rena and Ryan were also members of South Portland’s Ferry Village Engine One. Captain Wallingford Jr. died doing what he loved most‚ surrounded by those he loved most‚ his three children and fellow firefighters.
Captain Wallingford Jr. was a staunch advocate for higher education‚ always the ‘Dad’ and mentor‚ respected and loved by all who knew him. A scholarship‚ The Captain Robert E. Wallingford Jr. Scholarship Fund‚ for either Law Enforcement or Fire Science is offered each year for first year students attending Southern Maine Community College‚ Fort Road‚ South Portland‚ Maine.
On his 10 year anniversary I know that the ones who loved him most still think of him, and miss him everyday. My thoughts are with all of you as you remember him. I hope that his name is not forgotten in those that continue to work in the SPFD, and may they live up to the standard that Capt. Wallingford, Jr. stood for.
– KimI still think about my former Captain all the time. Still miss him to this day. His friendship, his laugh and his dedication. I remember still the day I learned of the fire and his death. I know he is in heaven at the fire station on St. Florian Street. God bless you Bob, and God bless you Wallingford Family
– Chuck SudhalterI still remember my Captain of Engine 1. Captain Wallingford and family made me feel at home and apart of the SPFD family. It’s been 20 years and every August I pause to remember Captain Wallingford. Bobby Rob Rena and Ryan and the whole E1 company taught me a lot in my time with SpFD and to thia day I still use what they taught me. Capt. you will never be forgotten. Chief STFD
– Chief Calderwoodremembering my Captain and friend Bobby on this 20th anniversary of his loss. He was an exceptional human being who taught me so much in life. I will see you again my friend.
– Kevin CrowleyMy thoughts and prayers are with Bobby and his family today and always
FF Kevin Crowley
Saco Fire
I would like to say! Bobby was just not my Dad he was a teacher to many!
– Robert Wallingford IIII miss all the times being over the house and the jokes her would share with us kids. I miss playing at the old fire barn. I miss you. You are not forgotten.
– JohnNever backed down. Strong as an ox. Will always be missed and never forgotten.
– DrewI miss u uncle Bobby, been thinking about u alot the past few weeks.
– James PrevattBobby miss you so much. You’re a great cousin. You always loved me for me. I miss you so much and think of you often. luv Cindy biggest huggers in heaven
– Cindy