Walter D. Conrad

Walter D. Conrad

Jackson

Walter D. Conrad, of Jackson, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at Deborah Heart and Lung Center, Browns Mills. Walt was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where he became known for his running speed. He attended the University of Scranton on a full track scholarship and received his BA in Science. He earned a M.Ed. from Rutgers University and participated in intensive mathematical studies at LSU. Walt also attended Trenton State College. Glassboro, Newark College of Engineering and Seton Hall. Walt taught for 38 years in the Jackson School District, beginning as a teacher of grades 6, 7 and 8 at the Switlik Elementary School. He then taught English, mathematics, and social studies to students in grades 9-12 at Jackson Memorial High School. Eventually, Walt taught only mathematics, specializing in AP Calculus. In 1994, he was named Teacher of the Year. For many years, Walt served as the Mathematics Department Chairperson and in various capacities for the teacher's union, including J.E.A. President. Walt also taught mathematics for 14 years at Ocean County College.

Walt was very involved in his school community as well as the community in which he lived. He served as a Merit Badge Counselor for the Boy Scouts. As a Holbrook Little League Manager, he celebrated his team's 1974 District Championship. At school, he served as 4-H advisor and established and coached the track and cross country teams, both of which won many championships. Walt founded the Key Club at Jackson Memorial High School. He also founded the Ski Club, affording thousands of students the opportunity to safely learn the sport. In turn, they afforded him quiet bus rides home where he received his "beauty sleep." Walt lived his life emulating Ecclesiastes III: "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven." Each spring was spent planting and pruning his fruit trees. Summers were spent in the garden, and fall was spent harvesting, canning, pressing the most memorable cider, and attending his beloved Eagles' games. Winters, of course, were spent on the slopes. He thoroughly enjoyed each season for all that it offered.

Walt is survived by his wife of 29 years, Marion (McPolin) and their daughters, Erin and Elizabeth; his sons, David, Christopher, and Kerry and his wife, Kelly; and his daughter, Claire and her husband, John. Walt was predeceased by his daughter, Daria. Walt is also survived by his sister, Enola Karaliunas; six grandchildren; many loving nieces and nephews; and his in-laws, Marilyn McPolin, David and Ellen McPolin, Martin and Kathleen McCarthy, Don and Eileen Rose, and Omar and Diane ElFashny.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visitation from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013 at the George S. Hassler Funeral Home, 980 Bennetts Mills Road, Jackson. His Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 213 Madison Ave., Lakewood, NJ 08701. Please meet at the church at 10:45 a.m. Entombment will follow in Ocean County Memorial Park, 1722 Silverton Road, Toms River. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship for future educators has been established in Walt's name. Please make checks payable to JTSF Inc., with a notation in the memo: Walter D. Conrad. Checks may be mailed to Jackson Township Scholarship Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 910, Jackson, NJ 08527. For further directions and information, please visit www.hasslerfuneralhome.com.