Obituary of Dr. Arthur J. Wallingford Jr.
It is with great sadness, we his family announce the passing of Dr. Arthur Joseph Wallingford, Jr. (Art and/or Papa). Surrounded by family he passed away on Thursday, June 7, 2018 on his beloved Cape Cod. Our sorrow is mixed with joy as we were blessed to be able to share in his life.
Dr. Wallingford was the son of Dr. and Mrs. Arthur (Ann) Wallingford, Sr. and was born on December 7, 1937 in Albany, New York.
Dr. Wallingford was a proud graduate of the Vincentian Institute and continued his education at the College of the Holy Cross. He received his medical degree from Albany Medical College of Union University in 1963. He was a member of Nu Sigma Nu Medical Fraternity, President of his Medical Class and received the Albany Medical Center Alumni Association Outstanding Student Award upon graduation. He and his wife, Graceann were married on June 8, 1963 and began a 55-year marriage.
He began his medical career with an internship at Hartford Hospital in Hartford Connecticut, followed by a residency at Albany Medical Center. During this time, Dr. Wallingford was involved in research performing the nations first intrauterine fetal transfusion for amniotic fetus predictive sex identification from amniotic fluid cells. Upon completion of his training he served in the United States Air Force as the Chief of the OB/GYN division at Otis Air Force Base in Falmouth, Massachusetts. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Albany to join his father, Dr. Arthur J. Wallingford, Sr. and Dr. Alexander Gabriels in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology and continued to practice for forty-five years.
He was on the staff of the Albany Medical Center, St. Peter’s Hospital and Child’s Hospital. He was a member of the American College Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the New York State and Albany County Medical Societies, the American Medical Society, and was an original member of the Capital District Physicians Health Plan.
Dr. Wallingford, reflecting on his life wrote:
“I wish to thank all those who traveled with me on my pathway in life: my parents, sisters, and brother, my beloved wife: best friend and love of my life Graceann, our children, grandchildren, family and friends. I am most grateful for the love of my son-in-law Bob, my daughter-in-law Laura and brother-in law Dick. I was blessed with those with whom I shared my life at VI, Holy Cross, Albany Medical College, Albany Medical Center, the physicians and staff at St. Peter’s Hospital and my colleagues and partners at Albany Obstetrics and Gynecology. I enjoyed the time spent with the volunteers I met at St. Pius X School, the Academy of the Holy Names (AHN), Christian Brothers Academy (CBA), the Center for Disability Services and St. Catherine’s Center for Children for they added great depth to the tapestry of my life. I was privileged to be a member of the of the St. Pius X Parish community. The circle of my life is now complete.
Until we meet again, may God hold each and every one of you in the palm of his hand.” ~ Irish Blessing
Art is survived by his wife Graceann (Gavigan), and children Meg Wallingford, Monica Marini (Bob), A.J. Wallingford III (Laura), Maura Mendel (Eugene- deceased), Dr. Maribeth Wallingford and his loving grandchildren Justin M. Marini (Fallon), Brandon W. Marini (Lexee), Nicholas A. Marini, Megan Marini and Tyler R. Marini, Madison G. Mendel, Ethan J. Mendel and Schuyler K. Mendel. Also surviving are his sister Margaret A. Wallingford (Peg) and brother David T. Wallingford (Helene), and brother- in- laws Richard G. Gavigan (Jeanne), Francis Eberle (MaryLee) and a wonderful group of nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his adored sister Mary Wallingford Vanderwarker and her loving husband Paul.
There will be no visiting hours. The family has planned a private dinner and evening of shared memories. A memorial Mass will be held on June 14, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, New York. The Rite of Committal will be held immediately after the Mass at St. Agnes Cemetery and will be private.
At Art’s request, in lieu of flowers, those desiring may send a remembrance in his memory to the St. Catherine’s Center for Children, 40 N. Main Ave., Albany, New York, 12203 as a reflection of his love for family and children.
