Wallace "Wally" Ellsworth Keniston

Wallace (Wally) Ellsworth Keniston, age 83, left us peacefully on December 18, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.  He was the son of Ephraim A. and Edna Louise (Drew) Keniston, born on June 5, 1941, in Wolfeboro where he remained a life-long resident.  Wally grew up playing hockey and baseball, a love that transferred to the Bruins and Red Sox. He attended Carpenter School and Brewster Academy, then joined the United States Army where he worked as a communications sergeant serving in West Berlin, Germany during the airlift.

After serving his country, he returned to Wolfeboro, worked at the Electric Company, volunteered at the Fire Department, became a full-time firefighter and eventually Chief. He also was a chimney sweep, founder of “The Frankfurt Express” food truck, owner of “My Mother’s Woodstove” store, serviced the region as “The Errand Man,” and was the smiling face behind the counter at The Corner Store.

Life after retirement was never dull. Traveling with Jane around the country in their RV was one of Wally’s greatest memories.  His optimism was unshakable, Wally would start every baseball season convinced that this year, the Red Sox will win the World Series. In his life he saw that happen four times. His optimism was just as strong for the Boston Bruins. He also never met a scratch-off lottery ticket he didn’t love.  

Many will remember his hearty laugh as he shared many stories and memories with anyone he came into contact with. His Christmas Village was a tradition that amazed young and old for many years.  If you wanted to know something about Wolfeboro, Wally was the person to ask.

Wally is survived by Jane, his beloved wife of 44 years, his two children Wally (Jr. aka Kenny, of Wolfeboro) and Katie of Sacramento, California, his granddaughter Taylor, sister Frederika Ferrell of Ossipee, his brother Earl and sister-in-law Jeanette Keniston, many adoring nephews, nieces and other kin.  He was preceded by brother Donald, sisters Jeanette Wilkins and Anna Lord.

Visiting hours will be held at Lord Funeral Home, 23 Club Lane, Wolfeboro, NH on Monday, December 23, 2024, from 5 to 7 PM. 

Military honors will be rendered at Lakeview Cemetery at 11 AM on June 5, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held this summer at Lake Wentworth State Park for all to share their stories and laughter.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wolfeboro Fireman’s Relief Association, PO Box 125, Wolfeboro, NH 03894.

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