William Wallach

Bill was born in 1948, in New York, to Richard and Yvonne Wallach. He grew up in Suffern, New York, and did his undergraduate work at George Washington University followed by graduate work in American Culture at the University of Minnesota.

In 1981, he was appointed assistant director at the Bentley Historical Library. He not only oversaw the daily operations of the library but also was integral to the success of many special initiatives that brought it international prominence. An avid lover of history, Bill was dedicated to the task of preserving historical documents and knowledge, in order to ensure that present and future generations would have access to historical facts, and to the truths and hopes of previous generations. During Bill’s time at the library, he was an eager participant in many international programs. He visited multiple foreign countries, including China, Russia, and South Africa, to help their archives. He helped to spread best practices of preservation all across the world. Bill even worked with the Vatican Archives in Rome. He was promoted to associate director in 2001 and retired from the Bentley in 2013.

He met his first wife, Randy, when they were students at George Washington University, in the late 1960s. They fell in love and eloped and were together until Randy’s passing in 2011, a joyous union of 40+ years. Along the way, they raised two sons, Nathaniel and Samuel. Bill’s life was a testament to perseverance and love, from his young elopement with his wife, Randy, through Randy’s ovarian cancer and passing, and even through Bill’s own struggles with Alzheimer’s.

Bill found new joy in his second wife, Linda, after Randy’s passing. Unfortunately, his disease became more pronounced, and their years together were shorter, and more difficult, than either would have liked, but we are grateful that Bill found solace and joy in his new union.

He loved music, books, sports, and discussing the world. He spread warmth and humanity to everything he touched, and to everyone he knew.

Bill leaves two sons, Samuel (daughter-in-law Sacha) and Nathaniel. His three beloved brothers, Dick (Carolyn), John (Gwenn), and Dan; his dear in-laws, Pam and David Starfield; and, his six nieces and nephews (Casey, Bonnie, Matthew, Andrew, Anne, and John) and their children. He is survived by his second wife of 10 years, Linda Wallach.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

The Michigan Brain Bank

https://www.brainbank.umich.edu/donate