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Walter Minot Obituary
He was the husband of Elaine (DeLuca) Minot, whom he married in 1963. He is also survived by his daughter, Leslie Ann Minot of Las Vegas, Nev.
Born in Woonsocket, R.I., Mr. Minot was the son of the late Raymond E. Minot and Mary (Petrosky) Minot.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, William, Michael, and Raymond, Jr.
He was educated in Woonsocket's public schools and graduated from Providence College summa cum laude. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in English from the University of Nebraska. He taught for 36 years at Gannon University in Erie, Pa., and was named Professor Emeritus at his retirement. He was the author of a textbook on writing and numerous scholarly articles on writing and literature. After retiring, he continued to teach part-time at a number of colleges and universities.
A memorial service will be held in Las Vegas, Nev. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Providence College, Gannon University, or the University of Nebraska.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.
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Memories and Condolences
for Walter Minot
Scott Baker
November 17, 2024
1977 Enrolled September Gannon College as a Freshman which by my mom's Catholic church influence background got me in , even though my boards were the lowest. However English professor " Dean" Minot destroyed my writing rhetoric communications skills barely escaping failing my first semester. Oh know second semester again I got Minot ! English Research my second semester in English must of been my lucky calling with a B grade! My most important learning task in life from Dean Minot was that he always stressed the importance of " footnotes " to back up your paper. Even today I listen to News TV , internet channels etc. and I myself recognize most media has virtually know concept of this word and its meaning. Thank you Dean Minot for the memory that I keep close. RIP Dr. Minot.
Larrie Dudenhoeffer
October 20, 2023
Quite simply, Walt Minot was the first professor to believe in me. I was floundering as a first-year student and wasn't sure college was right for me. Now I'm a professor of English. That's because Dr. Minot saw something in me that I didn't see myself and got me a job at the Gannon University Writing Center. The rest is history. Walt (as we could call him after graduation) was demanding, generous, and passionate about his work. An excellent teacher. God bless him and rest his soul.
Bill McKenna
August 17, 2022
Like his family and others, I will always miss Walter, my very best childhood friend.
Reed Shaffer
September 3, 2018
I was an English major at Gannon, 1984-88, and had my first experience with Dr. Minot in his rhetoric and composition class. Everything of importance I have written since that time has in some way drawn on my experience with him in that first class. I liked and respected Dr. Minot and enrolled in all of his advanced writing classes. He helped me become a capable and confident writer, a skill that has been enormously valuable to me in business and in everyday life. He was a funny, smart encouraging man and he made my life better.
Reed Shaffer
Terry Morgan
January 4, 2018
I was a TA at Gannon University (then College) 1969-1971. Walt always had a cheerful comment for us lowly teaching assistants. An all round nice guy to work with. Terry Morgan
Paula Leuzzi
November 11, 2017
I was fortunate to have had Dr. Minot while attending Gannon University. He was incredibly kind and generous, and an intent listener. I will not forget him and the encouragement he gave me when I sought him out after graduation for guidance in continuing my education. I'll never forget him.
Carol Goloff
October 9, 2017
Walter was one of the brights lights at Christ Church in NJ. I am glad I had the honor of knowing him.
Gerrie Power
August 31, 2017
Losing Dr. Minot is a terrible loss. He was a great friend and mentor. I had Dr. Minot in the early 80's for classes at Gannon and he got me into Carnegie Mellon University for the masters degree in writing. I kept in contact with Dr. Minot for years after graduating from Gannon and Carnegie Mellon. He remained a steadfast believer in my capabilities and he was a great moral support. I am terribly saddened at the loss of Dr. Minot. My condolences to his wife, Elaine, and his daughter, Leslie. Walt Minot was a wonderful man.
Bill McKenna
August 28, 2017
Walt and I became friends when we were four years old. We lived in the same neighborhood. The friendship lasted all these years, despite geographical separations. I will always remember the witty, smart kid with whom I hung out on street corners, inventing words for things and having, what I would now call, "philosophical" conversations. He always had that dignity that we saw in the adult gentleman we knew.
My deepest sympathy to Elaine and Leslie for our loss.
Bill McKenna
Kathy and John Engel
August 20, 2017
Elaine and Leslie - We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Walter was a wonderful person and friend.
Sincerely,
Kathy and John Engel
Fran Hayden
August 18, 2017
Dr. Minot was one of the many great teachers at Gannon, a good man who had high standards. I remember taking his writing class, and he impressed me so much with the time he took to evaluate our essays.
He was friendly and approachable outside of class. My sympathy to his family.
Linda Kemper
August 18, 2017
Dr. Minot was the most influential professor I ever had at Gannon in the late eighties. Tough. Funny. Kind. A true gentleman and scholar. It is so touching to read so many heartfelt messages from former students and colleagues online. His influence was vast and his impact was deep for so many of us.
Sending our sincere sympathy to his family at this most difficult time.
Sue Sipple
August 18, 2017
Dr. Minot was an exceptional professor and mentor. When I was struggling to declare a major, he advised me to consider English. I'd wanted to be an English major, but I was uncertain about it, so his encouragement gave me the push I needed. All of these years later, I'm an English professor. Dr. Minot helped me find my way, and I'll always be grateful for that.
August 17, 2017
To Walter's Family,
Walt was a wonderful colleague with a warm smile and sense of humor.
I remember him fondly from our time at the university.
As always,
Charlie Bennett
Tina DiSalvo Fries
August 17, 2017
Like so many others, I was blessed to have had Dr. Minot for several classes while I was an undergraduate English major at Gannon in the early 1980s. He was my favorite professor along with Phil Kelly. Dr. Minot was one of the great ones, to be sure. Super smart, insightful, funny, kind. He knew how to challenge a student, and to command respect. Yet he had heart and related so well to his students. He was a character. He served on my English Comp board my senior year and I remember proudly introducing him to my parents at the senior wine and cheese. Several years after I graduated my father died suddenly and unexpectedly. Dr. Minot must have seen it in the newspaper. I can still remember how surprised and touched I was to see Dr. Minot walk in the door of the funeral home to comfort me. He was definitely a class act. RIP, Dr. Minot. And thank you for all you taught me.
August 17, 2017
I had Dr. Minot for a composition class when I was an English major at Gannon in the early 70s. He was a very good professor for whom I gained respect. He was somewhat tough on his students but in a way that made me a better writer. My condolences on his passing. Mary Duncan
Kevin Welbes
August 17, 2017
Dr. Minot stood out among the many professors I've had. His classes are etched in my mind as a place where I learned the love of writing and a deep respect for the creative but preciseness of words.
August 17, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathy DeSante
August 17, 2017
My deepest sympathy to you, Elaine, on Walter's passing. I worked with Walter for many years and he was the best! We kept in touch after he left Gannon and I loved hearing from him. He was a wonderful man and will be missed. Rest in Peace, Walter.
Gene and Jeannine Gosselin
August 17, 2017
At rest now in God's loving arms.
Gene and Jeannine Gosselin
August 17, 2017
Dear Elaine and Leslie,
Our deepest sympathies to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
God bless you.
Gabriel Holland
August 17, 2017
Dr. Minot was my first English professor at Gannon, an intimidating prospect to be sure. All fears were quickly allayed, however, by his humor and unassuming manner. I will never forget him.
Nicole Pitzer
August 17, 2017
Dr Minot was one of my favorite professors at Gannon. I loved his class my freshman year
Kristin Susser
August 17, 2017
I had a number of courses with Dr Minot, when I was at Gannon, and he was a marvelous teacher of writing. I remember his humor and warmth in the classroom and also how he made working at writing a worthwhile pursuit. I'm sure many of his former students remember him fondly.
Ann Miller
August 16, 2017
Dear Elaine,
I was saddened to see of Walter's passing in today's paper. I am glad that Leslie lives in Los Vegas and can be there for you at this difficult time. I hope you remember me, we counted deposits at Marine Bank (now PNC) back in 1985-1986. I enjoyed working with you at that time.
My Sympathy,
Ann Miller
Mary Connelly Alberstadt
August 16, 2017
Condolences to Walter's family and friends. Dr Minot was one of my favorite professors at Gannon. He had such a passion for teaching and sharing his love of English. I have fond memories of analyzing and discussing great books with him. I know he is now enjoying the great library in the sky!
Leo Turgeon
August 16, 2017
I was a classmate of Walter, class of 1957, at Woonsocket H.S. Walter was a class act, very intelligent and possessed a wonderful sense of humor. God will enjoy him very much. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Leo Turgeon, Woonsocket, RI
Bill Carney
August 16, 2017
My condolences to you, Elaine, and to Leslie, on Walt's passing. Fifty years ago this coming September I met Walt at a freshman orientation in the GU audi. Some people took me for a freshman rather than a brand new faculty member, but the first Gannon prof to welcome me was Walt, with his characteristic good nature and friendliness. I remember visiting you and Walt at your flat on West Seventh St. when Leslie was a baby. You were both steadfast in your friendship over the years. Walt was a fine man, a well-respected teacher, and a devoted family man. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Lori Jakiela
August 16, 2017
Dr. Minot was and will always be an inspiration to me. He taught me so much about writing during my years at Gannon, and he's one of the reasons I went on to become a writer and a teacher of writing. He was tough and kind, strict and funny. A complicated and rare mix for sure. My condolences to his family. I hope it helps a little to know that there are legions of students who loved and will never forget him. I am grateful to be one of them.
Kathleen Ziegenhine
August 16, 2017
My husband Jim & I met Walter at Church of the Holy Spirit. I remember his delightful sense of humor & deep faith. Walter was such a kind & gentle man & I have many fond memories of him. I am richer for having known him. My sincere condolences for your loss, Elaine & Leslie.
Daniel Toporoski
August 16, 2017
My sincerest condolences. Walter & I were friends & classmates in High School.
Steve Zmigrosky
August 16, 2017
One of the best Professors I ever had....Steve Zmigrosky Gannon 82
Robert Saper
August 16, 2017
You taught excellence, and you were excellent. Truly one of my best and most influential instructors. Dr. Minot, I am forever grateful that our paths crossed at Gannon, and I know that your influence will live on in the life and work of your students. My condolences to your family.
Albert E. Aubin
August 16, 2017
Walter and I were classmates at Woonsocket High School, class of 1957. I hope that he maintained his great sense of humor throughout his life. He could always make us laugh. I believe that he, Bill McKenna and I were the only classmates who spent their entire professional lives at one institution after completing our doctorates. Quite an accomplishment for kids from Woonsocket. My thoughts are with his family.
August 16, 2017
Elaine, so sorry to hear of Walters passing.I have often thought of you and your family.this is always a time when you need friends and family. I wish i could help,as i do know how difficult this is i went through it 2 years ago. my love and prayers for you and Leslie.
Hilda (KITTY)Parker
Michael Tkach
August 16, 2017
I first met Walter many years ago when I was an undergraduate student at Gannon, and he was my teacher and academic advisor, and then knew him years later as a colleague in the English department. It is a sad day, but I have fond memories of him during all those years. My condolences, Elaine, to you and Leslie.
Michael Tkach
John Young
August 16, 2017
Walter was the epitome of the phrase "a scholar and a gentleman." He was the best colleague you could ask for and I modeled some of my own behaviors after him. He treated everyone with respect and he brought out the best in those around him. I am grateful for the years we worked together.
John Young
Gannon University
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