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Walter Gentry Obituary

died Thursday, November 5, 2020, eleven days before his 92nd birthday. He was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Walter Harrison Sr. and Naomi (Daly) Gentry. Following high school graduation, he served in the Army during the Korean conflict and then attended St. Joseph's University. His long career in the insurance industry included involvement with his own agency, Madison Insurance Agency in Philadelphia, progressed to partnership in Flanigan, O'Hara & Gentry and an eventual merger with USI Insurance Services. Following his retirement in 1999, Walt and his wife Sally moved to Savannah, GA. Walt and Sally enjoyed golf, skiing, traveling, Philadelphia Eagles football, the Philadelphia Opera and Orchestra and entertaining friends wherever they lived. Walt is remembered for his kindness, compassion and the helping hand he so often extended to others. True to his Irish heritage, he enjoyed sharing a good story, leaning on his wit and great sense of humor. Walt and Sally's only child, Amy G. Becker, predeceased him as did his parents and his sisters Muriel Dunn and Louise Dyson. He is survived by Sally, his wife of 52 years, their son-in-law Douglas J. Becker of Fort Worth, TX, Walt's special niece Donna and her husband, David Caddick of Dresher, PA, many nieces and nephews and countless friends in Savannah and the Philadelphia area. No funeral services are planned at this time. Please remember Walt in your thoughts and prayers with gratitude for his life. If you wish to honor his memory in some way donations may be made to Ancillae-Assumpta Academy, 2025 Church Road, Wyncote, PA 19095 to the attention of Kathleen Helbig, acj.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Nov. 14, 2020.

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5 Entries

Ronald Cherry

November 16, 2020

I remember Walter and his sister, Louise from my youth at Lawton School in Philadelphia. He was two years ahead of me at Frankford High School.
I remember that he was President of his 1946 graduating class. He was a role model for all classmates to look up too.
Ronald Cherry South Pasadena, California

Joan Hubbert

November 15, 2020

Dear Sally,
Our deepest sympathy. We remember the many good times we had and we never watch an Eagles game without remembering your generosity. That was the only time I ever saw a game. Hope you are still hitting it straight. Jack is still playing but I have given up. Annie is gone and we miss her. We live close to where her Winter house was and spent a lot of time together in our later years.
Take care!
Jack & Joan Hubbert

Gerry

November 14, 2020

Sally, I was saddened by the news of Walt’s passing. I remember how much he especially loved you and Amy was the world to him. I’m sure she was waiting for him smiling.
He was a good and very generous man to work for. I think of those days often and of course “Gallagher”! Walt gave me my first real job and I learned a lot from him.and as a result made lifelong friends who I still see often. We call ourselves the breakfast club. I remember a time when we were called “gentry’s gems”!

Please take care of yourself, with sympathy
Gerry (Greco) Colantuono

Gerry Colantuono

November 14, 2020

Sally I was saddened by the news of Walt’s passing. He was a good and generous man to work for. He loved you and Amy so much. And that “Bob Gallagher”! Ha ha...
I miss those days. I’m sure you miss those days as well. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Please take care of yourself

D T

November 14, 2020

I am sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my condolences. May the love of friends and family comfort you through your grief. 2 Thes 2: 16,17.

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