David C. Wahlstrom “Wally,” 57

David C. Wahlstrom, “Wally” 57 of W. Wareham, passed away at home, Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, after a long courageous battle with Glioblastoma while being comforted by those who love him.

Born in London, England, he was the son of David C. Wahlstrom and Marie E. Wahlstrom.

Dave graduated from Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in 1981 and served as corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1985 to 1989.

David started his firefighting career in 1979, at the young age of 16 with the Town of Wareham Fire Department. He was assigned to the White Island Fire Station, which housed Engine 11 and Forestry 404. This began his lifelong calling.

After his service with the United States Marine Corps, he became a call firefighter with the Onset Fire District and a full-time firefighter with the Otis ANG Fire Department. He served both fire departments with distinction.

In 1998, David joined the Wareham Fire District as a call firefighter and was promoted to Career Firefighter in 2003 and was assigned to group 4.

Throughout his entire career he achieved multiple certifications on many of the fire service disciplines, especially in technical rescue, which was his passion. David was a Rope Rescue Technician, Master Diver and a certified Extrication Training Officer. Over his career he received multiple letters of recognition, not only for his actions on the fire ground, but also for his dedication to community service.

On March 25th, 2011, David, while on duty, was part of a shift that was subjected to a harrowing building fire, in which there was a person trapped. His selfless actions in the successful rescue of the trapped individual, earned him the highest honor a firefighter can receive in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. David received the Medal of Honor and Firefighter of the Year recognition.

David officially retired on August 4th, 2018, this was not by choice, but yet, one made for him. He entered the uncertainty of his remaining life with all the courage, honor and toughness that made him the tremendous firefighter he was.

Dave enjoyed motorcycles and was a member of the Fire and Iron Motorcycle Club, Station 32, Cape Cod.  As a veteran, Dave was a passionate supporter of #22Kill. He also enjoyed hunting in Maine with friends.

He was able to fulfill a lifetime dream traveling alongside Danielle and experiencing this beautiful country he loved so much. He especially enjoyed his trips to California to visit Alcatraz and the Grand Canyon in Arizona, as well as visiting many National parks and zoos along the way. His favorite places to visit were Tennessee and Virginia Beach.

Lovingly remembered by his devoted companion, Danielle Desrosiers of W. Wareham; his parents, David C. Wahlstrom of North Carolina and Marie E. Wahlstrom of Florida, his children: David Allen of New Hampshire and Morgan Wahlstrom of Wareham; his brother Gary Wahlstrom of Wareham and 4 grandchildren of New Hampshire.

One sentence that simply described David: “Whether you knew him or not, he was a selfless friend to all with that smile, laughter and witty remark that would light up a room.”

Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Monday, Feb. 1st at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 5 – 8 p.m.  Appropriate COVID-19 protocol will be observed including the use of face masks, social distancing and wait times in line due to temporary limited capacity. Those attending will be asked to pay their respects and depart to allow the next guests to enter the funeral home. Graveside services at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne will be private.

Donations in David’s name may be made to 22Kill, 13625 Neutron Road, Dallas, TX 75244, a foundation to prevent and combat suicide by veterans and first responders.

To leave a message of condolence visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com