Walter C. "Bud" O'Meara

Walter C. "Bud" O'Meara, 90, died peacefully of natural causes on Aug. 3, 2008, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Stamford and was a long time resident of the area until relocating to South Windsor to be closer to family a few years ago. He was actively involved in a wide range of civic and athletic activities through out his lifetime in Stamford. During the Depression days of the 1930s, he spent most of his free time at the old Stamford "Y," where he participated in several sports which set the stage for his love of athletics. He entered Stamford High School in the mid-30s. He was named an all-state quarterback in 1936, and captained the basketball team in 1937. Upon graduating from Stamford High, he entered the University of Notre Dame in 1937 on a football scholarship. He played for Coach Elmer Layden, one of the Four Horsemen. While at Notre Dame, he also played basketball and was a member of the gymnastics team. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1941. He later earned his master's degree from Fairfield University. Upon graduation from Notre Dame, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy. He served as a lieutenant in the Naval Air Corps. He spent four years in the Navy and flew off both battleships and carriers, primarily the USS New Mexico. He was awarded the Air Medal for his combat duty in the Pacific War Zone. He was part of Air Group 19, a group which he remained in active contact with throughout his life. After the war, he returned to Stamford High School as a teacher and assistant coach, where he was mentored by Paul Kuczo. In 1958, he became the third head football coach at Stamford High School when Kuczo resigned. He surrounded himself with an outstanding coaching staff, including John Hagan, Alan Shanen, and Carmine Tosches. Together, they produced state championship teams in 1958 and 1959, going undefeated both years. His coaching staff and players remained an important part of his life for years to come. During the 50s, he also coached American Legion baseball teams for nine years, producing five state champion teams and two regional champions. Upon retiring from coaching, he continued as an administrator at Stamford High School, and managed the Roxbury Swim and Tennis Club for many years. He also served as a professional football scout, covering the N.Y. Giants for nine seasons. He met his wife, Grace, on a blind date. They were married in 1942 at the Jacksonville, Fla., Navy base. They were married for 63 years. He was predeceased by his wife, who passed away in 2005. He was a loving husband and acted as the primary caregiver to his wife for the last years of her life. Together they had six daughters.

He is survived by five of his daughters, Janice Blakesly of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Maureen Dalby of Wellfleet, Mass., Tina Harney of South Windsor, Mary Lee of Manchester, Vt., and Grace Cedrone of Manchester. He is predeceased by his fourth daughter, Meg Sargis. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and six great- grand children. He lived a very full and active life right up to the end.

In honor of his memory, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation of time or money be made to the charity of your choice. And, most importantly, that we all remember each day is a gift to be shared with our loved ones.

All friends are welcome to attend the Mass at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, 374 Middlesex Road, Darien, on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery in Darien.

Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home in South Windsor is caring for the arrangements.

For online condolences and guestbook, please visit our Web site at:

www.carmonfuneralhome.com