Walter Fonfara

Walter J. "Gooch" Fonfara, 101, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Born January 6, 1924 on Alden Street in Hartford to Joseph and Agnes Fonfara. Walter served his country honorably in the US Coast Guard, initially as a radar technician, during WWII. In his younger years, Walter was a multi-sport athlete, but his love was baseball. He was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies and assigned to their Triple A affiliate. Instead, he chose to come back to Hartford where he played for the Royal Typewriter along with several other teams, including the Coast Guard with all his teammates being major leaguers but for him, a distinction he was long proud of. He was inducted into the Greater Hartford Twilight League in 1985, where he was recognized as a standout pitcher but his batting and fielding (third base) prowess was equally valued. His second love was politics. While never pursuing public office himself, Walter was a loyal district leader working under the leadership of State Party Chairman John Bailey, close friend Hartford Democratic Party Chairman Mike Kelly. He was especially proud of his role as a Connecticut coordinator for the presidential campaign of Sen. Edmund Muskie. He was a driver for Congresswoman Barbara Kennelly which among his responsibilities was to pick up her son John at school. The friendship and mutual respect between Walter and John have endured to this day. Walter's Polish heritage was a great source of pride and led him to his lifelong advocacy for many within the Polish community. He was the President of the Polish Democratic Club of Hartford for over 40 years and a director of the Polish National Home in Hartford. Walter served for over 30 years as a Deputy Sheriff, a position not generally viewed favorably by those who were the subject of a visit, still Walter would often give those facing eviction extra time to find a place to live or store their belongings, a consideration not viewed favorably by many of the law firms that employed him. Gooch, as he was known to many, was a lifelong Hartford resident. His was a personality that endeared him to many. Be it at Franklin Avenue's Corner Grinder Shop with Billy Ciotto or the Alegro Café with judges, lawyers and other regulars, you couldn't escape the barbs exchanged between Gooch and his lifelong friends. Walter leaves his wife of 73 years, Stella, who was the rock of our family enabling Walter to pursue his vocation, as well as his political and other endeavors which might have included a card game or a trip to any racetrack. He leaves his four children Beverly Fonfara and partner James Powelcyk, John Fonfara, James Fonfara and his wife Colleen, and Robert Fonfara and his wife Betsy. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren Joshua Padgett, Megan Ansteensen, Christina Gonzalez, and Zachary Fonfara. He leaves several nieces and nephews, including George Urbanik, Joan Veilleux, Susan Leonka, Cherise Field, Sally Reichle, Joanne Sauer, Jack Reichle, and Fritz Reichle. He is predeceased by his infant daughter Christine, sister Sue Urbanik, and nephew Ronnie Reichle. Special recognition is needed for our sister, Beverly Fonfara, who has foregone her own life to care for our parents, enabling them to remain at home for the last several years. For Walter's close friend, Danny Ficochelli, who brought Gooch lunch virtually every week for years. Our family is eternally grateful for his love of our father. Visitation will be Monday, May 19, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Farley Sullivan Funeral Home at 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Walter's life will be on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10:00 am in SS Cyril and Methodius Church, 63 Popieluszko Court, Hartford. The family requests everyone attending the funeral to proceed directly to the church. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Walter, please visit our Tree Store.