Steve Allen Wallace

Steven Allen Wallace was born on April 3, 1942 at Queen Of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, California. Steve was born to Evelyn Wallace (Weisbart) and Louis Wallace and grew up in South Central Los Angeles. He was a lifelong resident of Los Angeles and Malibu. Beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, world traveler, avid fisherman, and cherished friend, passed away at his home from a short illness, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Steve lived a remarkable life defined by hard work, generosity, humor, and adventure.

He attended Figueroa Street School, John Muir Middle School, and Hamilton High School. At Hamilton High School Steve became a proud member of The Knights Club where he developed friendships, values, and bonds that he carried with him throughout the remainder of his life with those same club members that he was fortunate enough to call his brothers. Soon after high school Steve joined The United States Army where he proudly served his country as a part of the 1st Logistics Command and attained the rank of Specialist.

From an early age, Steve possessed an entrepreneurial resolve and an exceptional work ethic. As a teenager, he parked cars as a valet for Romanoff’s Restaurant and by age 20 he'd already established his own parking concession business operating at the original members-only lounge “The Other Place”. At 22 years old he managed The Daisy Club, Beverly Hills’ first members-only private club, where he developed a passion for fine wines through his responsibility to purchase the club's fine wine and spirits. Inspired by that newfound interest, Steve studied wine at UCLA under wine journalist Robert Balzer.

In 1968 with the support of a loan from his parents, Steve founded a small neighborhood liquor store; “Wally's Liquor" located on Pico and Hauser, a business that would become one of the most respected names in wines and spirits. The store moved several times before settling to its iconic location on Westwood Boulevard, soon to become a Los Angeles institution coining the new name “Wally’s Wine & Spirits” where it remained for decades. Under Steve's leadership, Wally's operated from 1968 until its sale in 2013, marking 45 years of dedication to building a beloved institution and serving generations of customers across the globe, becoming one of the most respected wine retailers in the world. Steve Wallace is widely credited with helping transform wine retailing in Los Angeles from a basic liquor-store business into a collector-focused, service-oriented luxury category.

In addition to his success in the wine and spirits industry, Steve was a respected restaurateur whose passion for hospitality extended throughout much of his career. Owning several great restaurants and local landmarks such as The Brentwood Restaurant and Lounge and The Broadway Deli, establishments that reflected his commitment to great food, exceptional service, and creating welcoming places where people could gather and connect. His most renowned endeavor as a restaurateur was Capo Restaurant where he served as one of the original managing partners.

Steve was also known for his strong sense of community involvement which was defined not only by his philanthropic contributions, but also by the generous commitment of his time to causes that were deeply personal and meaningful to him. One organization especially close to his heart was Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, where he volunteered extensively and served on the board for many years, paying homage to his orphaned father Louis Wallace, who called Vista Del Mar home for a majority of his youth. Among his many services, he organized an annual fishing trip for underprivileged children creating memorable experiences and opportunities for young people who might not otherwise have had them. Steve also served on the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation Board, dedicating his time raising funds and connecting new donors to the program. In addition, he served on the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation where he played an active role in selecting children of fallen officers to receive college scholarships, helping to shape brighter futures for deserving families.

After the sale of Wally’s, Steve remained deeply involved in the industry he loved. Rather than stepping away, he generously shared his experience by advising friends and colleagues on wine brands, restaurant concepts, and hospitality ventures, continuing to mentor and support others throughout his life.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Steve fully embraced life's pleasures and adventures. He was known for enjoying fine tequila, a great Cuban cigar, No Limit Texas Hold’em, automobiles and, most of all, the company of his many lifelong friends. An avid traveler, Steve explored the world alongside those he loved, creating memories and friendships that spanned continents.

Steve was a passionate outdoorsman whose greatest joys were found on the water and in the field. He fished in some of the world's most renowned destinations, including Alaska, Panama, the Bahamas, and his favorite fishing paradise, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He was also an enthusiastic hunter and collector of firearms. While Steve loved the destinations he visited, what mattered most to him was sharing those experiences with the people he loved. Some of his happiest moments were spent fishing, traveling, and creating lifelong memories with his closest friends and his three grandsons.

Those who knew Steve will remember his infectious and quick witted sense of humor and his ability to find joy in everyday moments. He never missed an opportunity to share a laugh, tell a story, or brighten someone's day. Above all, he lived by a simple principle that he often repeated: "Do the right thing." That philosophy guided both his personal and professional life and remains a lasting lesson for all who knew him. Through this philosophy Steve will be remembered as the generous, philanthropic, and kind hearted man he was.

Steve's greatest pride and joy was his family and friends. He is survived by his daughters, Melissa Wallace and Jennifer Wallace Ostrow, grandsons; Max Ostrow (Samantha Eddo Ostrow), Miles Ostrow, Nicholas Wallace and sister Judi Wallace all of whom brought him immeasurable happiness. His love, guidance, and values will continue to live on through them. Steve's love for family stretched far and beyond his immediate family including the Weisbart and Siebert families.

His funeral service will be held at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary on Tuesday, June 16th at 2:00PM.

6001 W Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Memorial contributions may be made in Steve's honor to:

Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services 3200 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90034 (310) 836-1223 www.vistadelmar.org/donate

Steve leaves behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, adventure, laughter, friendship, and family devotion. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched. GONE FISHING…