Photo courtesy of Reed & Benoit Funeral Home Inc. - Watertown
Watertown, New York
Sep 23, 1932 – Oct 30, 2024
The Rev. Walter E. Giles, Sackets Harbor, passed away on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, at his home with his wife Patricia at his side with the direction of Hospice of Jefferson County. He was 92 years of age.
He was born in Watertown on September 23rd, 1932, a son to Clarence and Florence Walti Giles, Sr. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1951. Walter continued his education at Hobart College, Geneva, NY, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954. He went on to Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. His ordination was in 1957 as an Episcopal Priest in the Diocese of Central New York. Rev Giles served churches in the Southern Tier and Auburn, NY until 1975. He moved back home to Watertown fulfilling the role as Pastor Associate at Trinity Episcopal Church. After retirement in 1995, he served as supply Priest in many of the north country Episcopal churches.
Walter was predeceased in death by a son Brian Giles who he will meet again in Heaven and is survived by his wife of 46 years, Patricia Giles; a son Michael and his wife Mary; a daughter Dawn Angello and her spouse Chris; a daughter Sarah Smith. He was blessed with grandchildren Jack Giles and his wife Catherine, Edward Giles, Kirk Angello, Kylie Wood and Gabriella Angello. He is also survived by his older brother Clarence Giles, Jr., several nieces and nephews.
Walter loved baseball and was happy as an ROTC enlisted airman to be stationed in Bermuda with the assignment of managing the Air Force baseball team. He enjoyed watching a game whether it was a little league or professional baseball. Anyone who knew him remembers his love of toy trains and collecting them was a favorite pastime. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and coffee every Friday afternoon coffee with his buds.
The memorial service will be 2 pm Saturday, November 9th, 2024, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 227 Sherman St., Watertown with the Rev Molly Payne-Hardin officiating. A celebration of life gathering will be held on Sunday, November 10th at the Airport Christian Fellowship Church, 17315 NY State Rt. 12F, Dexter, NY beginning at 3pm.
Walter was a man of true compassion, quick to forgive, a friend to all and a rue servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. We who love Jesus rejoice knowing we will see his again.
Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com...
Arrangements are with the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown.
Read MoreMike, Mary and family
Liz and I are sorry for your loss. May your many wonderful memories comfort you now and in the future. Our condolences to all.
Mike Cartini
December 05, 2024 | Clay, NY | Friend
Dear Patty, we are truly saddened to hear of the Reverend’s passing. He and our father Charles Burnham were close friends. Now they are once again. I hope you feel some comfort knowing he walks in peace with Jesus. Sincerely, Kevin and Diane Ramsey.
Diane Ramsey
November 20, 2024 | Adams | Friend
My sincere condioleces to the family of Walter. He was a great example of a man . I was a railroad enginer in watertown and walter came to the rail yard in mornings i gave him many aride which made him very happy. One time while riding with me his good Homer Trotter showed up whom i gave many a rides. 90 degree day hot engine they looked at each other a and said dont getmuch better than this. Which the reply was ... you got that right .. we also shared some indians games together i hope to...
Michael Orloff
November 10, 2024 | Rodman, NY | Friend
Patty, our hearts are with you today. We will truly miss Walter’s sense of humor and sweet spirit. We’re sorry we can’t be with you in person, but will be praying and thinking of you all. Love, Dave and Connie
David and Connie Maxon
November 10, 2024 | Adams Center, NY | Friend
Will miss this true Christian gentleman, friend, and minister. He honored the Lord he loved and served. Faithful, fruitful, grateful, and downright fun! So long for now
Alec&Lynn Wendell
November 09, 2024 | Chaumont, NY | Friend
Patty and family Rod and I so enjoyed visiting with Walter. His humor was so appreciated. Will continue to pray for you.
Rodney and Katy Widrick
November 08, 2024 | Adams, NY | Friend
I remember fondly Walter as I was raised in Watertown and a longtime member of Trinity Church. When I first became a lay reader at Trinity, Walter patiently worked with me on reading from the lectern. How to better enunciate words and most of all how to speak more slowly. Today as my grandchildren are reading out loud I have used Walter’s lessons to help them as they read. Even today, as an EM and lector at St Thomas’ , Rochester, I often think of Walter. May peace be with you as you share...
Mollie Carroll McCormick
November 08, 2024 | Rochester, NY | Acquaintance
My husband served with Walter in Watertown and Sackets Harbor. Christ Church and Trinity were his first parish assignments after seminary. Walter was a wonderful mentor/teacher. He was also a really fun guy. I remember his love of trains and baseball. Rest in peace. Rise in Glory.
Jane Exner
November 06, 2024 | Goffstown, NH | Friend
Walter's ministry spanned many years, the current second longest service in the Episcopal diocese where he aided many parishes. May he rest in peace. Sympathy to Clarence and family.
Rev. Robert Ayers
November 05, 2024 | Cazenovia, NY | Coworker
