Walter J. Gowey

PRINCETON - Walter Joseph Gowey, 76, of Princeton, Massachusetts, passed away suddenly on October 13, 2025 after suffering a stroke. He was a much respected resident of the Alzheimer's Unit at the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester and was surrounded by caring staff members when he passed. 

Walter was born on May 28, 1949 in Weymouth, Massachusetts to Doris and Henry Gowey. He grew up on the waters of the South Shore, and following in the Gowey tradition, was an accomplished sailor at an early age. As an adult he attended Westfield State College, graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. While teaching at Framingham High School, Walter earned his Master's degree in Education at Boston State College. He taught in Framingham for 35 years and was awarded Teacher of the Year on multiple occasions. Walter was a devoted teacher, and remained after school nearly every day of the week to tutor students and seasonally, coach volleyball. On Fridays, he routinely joined his colleagues in the gym for high stakes basketball games, religiously followed by beers at Framingham's Columbus Hall. 

Walter met his wife Barbara Dietrich one summer while sailing with a friend on Pleasant Bay, Cape Cod. They set sail at low tide and returned at high tide, at which time Walter suggested that Barbara jump off and grab the mooring. As she was unfamiliar with tides this did not end gracefully. Despite this damp beginning, Walter and Barbara fell in love and years later were married at the Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, on February 10, 1984.

When not in the classroom during the school year, or on the sailboat during the summer, Walter was an avid organic gardener and orchardist on his small farm in Princeton. He was also an accomplished woodworker and craftsman, building a post-and-beam home with Barbara, later followed by a barn, which was populated in time with sheep, llamas, and chickens. Outside the farm, Walter enjoyed ski trips with friends and had a yearly ski pass to Mount Wachusett. He loved mountain biking in Vermont and Central Massachusetts with his son, Chad, and kept good spirits when occasionally getting lost in the woods. In his retirement, Walter worked tirelessly as a member, and eventually chair, of the Princeton Agricultural Commission; as well he was an enthusiastic and committed library trustee. 

Walter is survived by his wife Barbara of Princeton, and his son Chad Gowey of Seattle, Washington. As well, he leaves a brother, Paul Gowey and his wife Nancy of Rockland, Massachusetts and many generations of extended family, both Gowey and Dietrich.

Per Walter's wishes, there will not be a funeral service; a memorial gathering will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter's name can be made to the Princeton Land Trust (princetonlandtrust.us) or to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation (alzinfo.org). 

Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home in Holden. To leave a message for the family please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com