Obituary of George Wale Jr.

George V. "Mike" Wale Jr. passed away under the care of Niagara Hospice on February 7, 2012. Born on February 8, 1919 in Lockport, he was the son of the late George V. Sr. and Catherine Burke Wale. Mike joined the US Army in March of 1942 and served until 1946 in the Field Artillery during World War II. He met his wife, Patricia Stillwell Wale, in Chicago and they married April 18, 1944. After the war they moved to Lockport where they raised their family. Mike joined the Lockport Police Department on February 15, 1947. His distinguished career included positions of Patrolman, Detective in 1958, Sergeant in 1963, Lieutenant and Acting Police Chief. He also attended the FBI National Academy in 1963. Mike retired in 1974. He and his wife celebrated his retirement with a cross country trip across the United States. Mike was a member of the Hickory Club, and Club 50. Mike enjoyed reading, fishing, horse racing, history, ball room dancing with his wife, and playing cards and softball. He loved regaling anyone who would listen with his stories about the police force, his fishing tales, his family or Lockport in the "olden days." He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Patricia Wale, his three children, Marcia (Ron) Walter of Niagara Falls, Bruce (Mary Ann Chunco) of Lockport and Robert (Barbara) of Fairport; his grandchildren, Corey (Emily) and Janelle Walter, Michael (Mary) and Adam (Emily Gaborski) Wale; and one great granddaughter, Kaelyn. He is also survived by his sister in-law, Mary McDade, nieces Sandy (Greg) Spoth and Tracy (Peter) Zanda. Mike was predeceased by his sister Betty Wale Carberry. There will be no prior visitation. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the excellent and compassionate care of the nurses and staff of Niagara Hospice. Memorials to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094, would be appreciated by the family. <h3>Visitation</h3> There will be no prior visitation. <h3>Services</h3> Services will be held at the convenience of the family.