Walter D. Anderson

1927 - 2025

Walter Dean Anderson, 97, of Derry, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. He was born Dec. 1, 1927, a son of the late Walter K. Anderson and Lucy Agnes Moore Anderson. Dean was one of nine children: four sisters, Frances Johnson, Marjorie Keys, Evelyn Gray, and Nancy Henderson; and four brothers (Carl, Ken, Larry, and Robert "Rebo"), all deceased. Dean passed away one month shy of his 98th birthday. Dean was preceded in death in 2010 by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 61 years, Thelma "Hummy" Stouffer Anderson, whom he dubbed "the prettiest girl in the patch." Together they had six children, Gary, Kathy Jellison (Jack, deceased), Linda Gennaro (Dennis), Joy Kestner (Karl), Tim (Will), and Dana "Dean"; 10 grandchildren, Jaime Gennaro (Ritchie), Nicole (Cody), Tim Kestner (Mandy), Nathan (Maggie), Joshua "JJ," Tom Kestner, Hannah Anderson (Aaron), and Jacob (Alyssa); and steps, Connie Jellison and Deb Williams. Dean was blessed with three great-grandchildren, Emily, Bailey; and step-great-grandchild, Jocelyn; three great-great-step-grandchildren, Ephraim, Hosanna, and Shiloh; and numerous nieces and nephews. A lifelong resident of Derry, Dean was a 1945 graduate of Derry Township High School. In his late teens he excelled as a baseball pitcher for Kingston Club and was also a standout slo-pitch softball pitcher. He was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed hunting, shooting pool, and the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins, and especially playing pinochle with his family and friends. He collected coins and stamps. Dean was employed at Derry Westinghouse for 15 years, from 1944 to 1958. He then started at the Derry Post Office as a letter carrier and retired after 31 years of service as postmaster. Dean was a lifetime member of several social clubs: Derry Rod and Gun, White House, Slovak, Cooperstown, Kingston Sportsmen, Derry Ukrainian, Derry Eagles, VFW, and Twin Maples. Our father was affectionately known as "Pap" by those who knew and loved him. He was a quiet man who rarely lost his temper and always led by example, showing you could achieve anything by hard work and dedication. He remained active until the last few months of his life. We never heard anyone say a bad word about him; he was that kind of guy. A special THANK YOU to his nephew, Reverend David Henderson for his comfort and support in his last days and hours. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at MCCABE FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. Third Ave., Derry, where his funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, with the Reverend David Henderson officiating. Interment will follow in the Coles Cemetery in Derry. www.mccabefuneralhomespa.com.