Walt’s ashes were scattered at sea December 8th, 2025 along with his wife Peggie’s ashes (who passed in 2020). Here is the eulogy shared at the memorial:
Some of you may not know the story, but Walt was a surprise from the beginning. His parents, Stella & Walter, didn’t know they were carrying twins until he made his appearance minutes after his big brother Bob was born. Ever wonder why the second son was named after the father? Funny story, Stella named their first born son after an old boyfriend. When Walt made his unexpected entrance, their father said, “I get to name this one,” and named him after himself. Another interesting fact is that they were mirror twins... one was left handed and the other was right handed.
They were born and raised in Holyoke, Massachusetts and did very well in school. They were kind, gentle, and helpful with their younger two sisters. Both Bob and Walt attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst earning degrees in engineering. Walt’s kindness extended far beyond his family. I think often of the story he told about the young private he saved from being discharged from the army by saying, “I’ll have him as my driver.” That simple choice changed the young man’s life, setting him on a better path. Years later, the private found him in New York, introduced him to his family, and thanked Walt for giving him a second chance. That’s who our Walt was. He always believed in people, always offered grace and encouragement.
After the Army, he lived in New York where his love for jazz grew. He would go to neighborhood bars and listen to the music of Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. Even at the end of his life, music brought him peace.
After a while Walt made his way to San Francisco. There, he met Marie, who became his first wife, and together they had Stefan. When Stefan was still a toddler, Walt was headhunted into the San Jose Fire Department as a Fire Safety Engineer. The family moved to Santa Clara and enjoyed their life until tragedy struck. Marie lost her two year battle to respiratory failure.
After Marie’s passing, he found companionship again with Peggie. Coincidentally, they found out that not only were they both born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, but they were born in the same hospital. Together they shared a blended family and over three decades of adventure, laughter, and love.
Walt had a childlike wonder about life. He loved jazz, blues, and classical music, often clapping at the end of a song as though the musicians could hear him. He adored movies, flea markets, and small comforts—his folding chair, a little TV, a pocket full of pens, puzzle books, and, of course, Mom by his side.
They had a wonderful life. Mom passed in 2020. The last thing he said to her was, “I’ll see you in heaven, my love.” And on October 7th, 2025, he kept that promise.
Alzheimer’s may have taken some of his memories, but it never took away his warmth, humor, or love.
I like to think he’s now with those he loved, whole again, memory intact, smiling at all of us on this boat.
May his heart stay in rhythm with the music he loved,
May his laughter echo through our memories,
And may we carry forward his gift of gentle strength and unending kindness.
Rest easy
Some of you may not know the story, but Walt was a surprise from the beginning. His parents, Stella & Walter, didn’t know they were carrying twins until he made his appearance minutes after his big brother Bob was born. Ever wonder why the second son was named after the father? Funny story, Stella named their first born son after an old boyfriend. When Walt made his unexpected entrance, their father said, “I get to name this one,” and named him after himself. Another interesting fact is that they were mirror twins... one was left handed and the other was right handed.
They were born and raised in Holyoke, Massachusetts and did very well in school. They were kind, gentle, and helpful with their younger two sisters. Both Bob and Walt attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst earning degrees in engineering. Walt’s kindness extended far beyond his family. I think often of the story he told about the young private he saved from being discharged from the army by saying, “I’ll have him as my driver.” That simple choice changed the young man’s life, setting him on a better path. Years later, the private found him in New York, introduced him to his family, and thanked Walt for giving him a second chance. That’s who our Walt was. He always believed in people, always offered grace and encouragement.
After the Army, he lived in New York where his love for jazz grew. He would go to neighborhood bars and listen to the music of Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. Even at the end of his life, music brought him peace.
After a while Walt made his way to San Francisco. There, he met Marie, who became his first wife, and together they had Stefan. When Stefan was still a toddler, Walt was headhunted into the San Jose Fire Department as a Fire Safety Engineer. The family moved to Santa Clara and enjoyed their life until tragedy struck. Marie lost her two year battle to respiratory failure.
After Marie’s passing, he found companionship again with Peggie. Coincidentally, they found out that not only were they both born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, but they were born in the same hospital. Together they shared a blended family and over three decades of adventure, laughter, and love.
Walt had a childlike wonder about life. He loved jazz, blues, and classical music, often clapping at the end of a song as though the musicians could hear him. He adored movies, flea markets, and small comforts—his folding chair, a little TV, a pocket full of pens, puzzle books, and, of course, Mom by his side.
They had a wonderful life. Mom passed in 2020. The last thing he said to her was, “I’ll see you in heaven, my love.” And on October 7th, 2025, he kept that promise.
Alzheimer’s may have taken some of his memories, but it never took away his warmth, humor, or love.
I like to think he’s now with those he loved, whole again, memory intact, smiling at all of us on this boat.
May his heart stay in rhythm with the music he loved,
May his laughter echo through our memories,
And may we carry forward his gift of gentle strength and unending kindness.
Rest easy
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