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Our husband, father, grandfather and friend left us way too early. We dedicate this page in his memory. We urge everyone to give to the Alzheimer's Association so that we can eliminate this horrible disease.

Ed Wallo

As published in The Oregonian on Mar. 21, 1996:
Ed Wallo, a long-time Portland resident, passed away March 19, 1996, at 72, from causes relating to Alzheimer's Disease.

Ed Wallo was born in Kingston, Pennsylvania on February 16, 1924. Using the ring name, Rocco Wallo, he was an amateur boxer with more than 100 middleweight fights; he won the British amateur championship in 1941 and in 1943, won the 180-lb class in the Marines. He eventually turned professional with 30 light-heavyweight fights.

While in the Marines he was an instructor in judo, bayonet fighting and combat swimming. He played football for the El Toro base "Flying Marines." Mr. Wallo came to Portland, Oregon on a football scholarship to the University of Portland in 1946. He met and married Rose Marie "Dee" Rennie in 1947. He went on to graduate from the U of P in 1951 and did graduate work at Columbia University in New York, the University of Portland and Portland State University.

Mr. Wallo joined the Portland Police Department in 1949, rising through the ranks to the position of Lieutenant. He was on the force for 36 years, retiring in 1985.

He remained an athlete all his life, jogging, exercising, lifting weights, and playing golf--he never met a golf course he didn't like. He was a 4-time winner of the Portland Police Golf Tournament. Those who played with him, and those who loved him, will always remember his dedication to the game and his love and admiration of the outdoors.

Though he loved golf, his greatest accomplishment was not his handicap, but his loving marriage and four children. His children were brought up with love and generosity, and they were taught one of life's greatest lessons by their father who set such an excellent example: enjoy each day of your life.

His humor, his spirit and his love of life and continued kindness and respect he showed so many people will be missed by his many friends and family.

The family requests remembrances be sent to the University of Portland Athletics Department (added Jan. 2009, or the Alzheimer's Association)

Mr. Wallo's riches were great in the love and laughter he shared with so many people. All are proud to have known him, even though it wasn't long enough.

You are welcome to visit the website>
http://www.RoccoWallo.com