John W. Wallace, 83, of Milton, Falmouth Heights and Highland Beach, Fla., died Feb. 16.

Born and raised in Dorchester, he graduated from Thayer Academy and the University of Miami.

A self-made businessman, he owned the Dairy Freeze in Quincy, three Lums Restaurant franchises and later established the family favorite Barber’s Crossing Restaurants in Worcester and Sterling.

Mr. Wallace was a resident of Milton and Falmouth Heights for more than 50 years. He liked golf, but more important to him were the friendships he made as a lifetime member of Wollaston Golf Club. He will be missed by all.

Husband of the late Ellen (O’Leary) Wallace, he is survived by his children, John Wallace and his wife, Tricia, of Paxton, Mark F. Wallace of Del Ray Beach, Fla., Ellen Nylen and her husband, Paul, of Milton, Denise Petitti and her husband, Kevin, of Canton, and Deidre Karle and her husband, John, of Milton; his siblings, Frances Ducey, of Hingham, Louise Morrissey, of Needham, and Robert Wallace, of Canton; his grandchildren, Shaun, Matthew, Alli, Lisa, Krista, John, Nicole, Kristina and Jack; and his dog, Wally.

He was the brother of the late Jayne Doulos and William Wallace.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in St. Agatha Church on Feb. 19. Burial was in Milton Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Tippett House, 920 South St., Needham, MA.