Emmett Bryan Wall

Emmett Bryan Wall, Jr.   February 22, 1937 - February 7, 2021

 

Emmett Bryan Wall Jr. was Bryan to most who knew him well. Bryan was born and raised, married, had a family and owned a business in Gallup. He moved to Phoenix in the1980s and returned home to his place of birth in the early 2000s. There he lived out his life. His last day of life was spent with his son, Vincent, who held his hand as father and son enjoyed the superbowl. In the last days of his illness, he voiced a longing to be home with his mother. On February 7th, 2021, Bryan was lifted up and placed in the arms of God. He had arrived home, there to be with his mother and all God’s holy ones.

  

Once he moved back to Gallup, Bryan fell in love and spent the remaining 19 years of his life with his endearing and tendering love, Rose Ferrari. Bryan felt so loved and welcomed by Rose and her family. Those were years of love, joy and laughter. He was happy.

 

Bryan was the first of four children of Emmett B. and Ann P. (Schmaltz) Wall of the Grand Canyon South Rim Village. He was born at St Mary’s Hospital in Gallup on February 22,1937. His family moved to Gallup several years later, and there Bryan grew up and got into loads of mischief with his cousin Johnny DePauli and other friends. He attended both Cathedral elementary and high schools. He was selected to be on the New Mexico All State Football Team. He graduated from Cathedral High in 1955. He then attended St. Benedict’s College in Atchison, KS and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ.  In 1959, he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Huachuca, AZ. He became a Gallup businessman in 1961 when he founded, owned and managed the Holiday Nursery. In 1972, he was elected to represent McKinley County in the New Mexico State Legislature as a member of the House of Representatives where he sponsored and passed early environmental controls dealing with water quality and sewer plant disposal. He was mentioned in “Who’s Who in American Politics” “Who’s Who in Government” and “’Community Leaders and Noteworthy Americans”. In 1973, he became part owner of Albuquerque Thunderbirds, a semi-pro football team. In 1982, he was owner of Indian Jewelry Store in Scottsdale, AZ. In1985, he became a Licensed Realtor in AZ. In 2009, he was elected Gallup City Councilor and member of the NM Municipal League Board of Directors. Bryan was an active member of St John Vianney Parish in Gallup. He also enjoyed being an active member of Prince Luigi. 

In 1963, Bryan married Molly O’Rourke. Together, they had one son, Vincent, Bryan’s pride and joy. The family lived in Gallup until Bryan sold his nursery business and the family moved to Phoenix, AZ. Several years after their divorce, Bryan moved back to Gallup.

  

Bryan is survived by his beloved Rose Ferrari, by his son Vincent Wall (Karol) of CA and also by his stepdaughters, Irene and Cynthia Ferrari of Gallup and stepsons, Dominic Ferrari of AZ and Anthony Ferrari of NV. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren: Peter Heck and Rachel Wall as well as 7 step- grandchildren: Cheray Milligan, Brandon Bell, Anthony Ferrari Jr, Angela Ferrari, Michael Ferrari, Donaven Ferrari and Bianca Ferrari. In addition, 2 great grandchildren: Audry Heck and Peter Heck IV and 6 step-great grandchildren: Logan Milligan, Alan Ferrari, Julian Ferrari, Dominic Ferrari Jr., Dreya Ferrari and Melania Ferrari. He is also survived by a brother, Robert Wall (Linda) of AZ and two sisters, Annette Hawkins and Paulette Jensen (Dennis), both of TX.  

His life has been full. He will be remembered by all who spent time with him and enjoyed hearing his many humorous stories. A loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and good friend to many, Bryan will be missed. 

The Funeral Mass will be presided over by Fr. James E. Walker at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup on March 17th at 11 AM. The family will gather for a private interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque on March 18th at 1 PM. 

 

In lieu of flowers, a donation check may be mailed to: Little Sisters of the Poor - Villa Guadalupe at 1900 Mark Avenue, Gallup, NM 87301