Walter E. Halliwell

Walter E. Halliwell, age 95, U.S. Navy veteran, a resident of Naperville, IL since 1968, formerly of Paterson and Towaco, NJ, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025, at his home. He was born on December 13, 1929, in Paterson, NJ.
Beloved husband of 62 years to the late Dolores J. Halliwell, whom he married on January 31, 1953 and who preceded him in death on April 13, 2015, loving father of Walter G. (Karen) Halliwell of Batavia, IL, Catherine Halliwell of Naperville, IL, and Kimberley (Paul) Smith of Westmont, IL, adored grandpa of Kristopher (Alison), Douglas, Jonathan (Kelley), Andrew, Stephanie, Elizabeth, and Zachary Clausing; Kelly (Ben) Frey, Emily (Ben) Poole, and Walter J. (Holly) Halliwell; Grace and Simon Smith, cherished great-grandfather of Nora, Bobby and David Clausing; Jaxson Clausing; Aiden, Devin, Annabelle, Jackson, Isaac, Levi and Eliana Poole; Vivienne, Theodore, Oliver and Charles Frey; devoted son of the late Walter and Helen Halliwell, son-in-law of the late George and Frances Gehlert, dear brother of Helen (the late Ken) Majury, Bernard (the late Diana) Halliwell, the late Gerald Halliwell, the late John Halliwell and the late Marilyn (the late Vincent) Addice, fond cousin, uncle, great-uncle, great-great uncle, neighbor, and friend of many.
Walter was born and raised in Paterson, NJ where he started his career as a paperboy and met the love of his life, Dolores. After serving in the Navy during the Korean War, they wed and began raising their family in Towaco, NJ where Walter built his own home. (Yes, that is right). In 1968 they moved to a small rural section of town in Naperville, IL.
Walter was an electrical engineer and pioneered in telecommunications for Western Electric, Bell Labs, AT&T and Lucent Technologies. Although the company name changed many times throughout his career, his single passion for engineering and team leadership never faltered.
In 1968, Walter and Dolores joined St. Raphael's Catholic Church where the masses were held in what is now the school gym. Walter was well known for his welcoming smile as he and Dolores hosted the 12:15pm mass for decades.
As their family grew with in-laws, twelve grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandkids, Walter enjoyed watching them at birthday parties, holidays, campfires at Woodsmoke, and school recitals. He was always ready with a hug and a smile, and his youthful playfulness led to loving teasing and laughter with his family.
As an engineer, there was never a problem or project Walter could not tackle. Projects gave him a set of tools and a sense of accomplishment. As the family handyman, his collections of pieces and parts served to repair everything from toys to furniture, or from remodeling to room addition. He always had an idea and a toolbox for his children, friends, and neighbors. Walter often shared his joy with others by forwarding a daily joke (or many) as his way of saying he was thinking of you. Walter was always the optimist with an eagerness to learn new things. He never thought about his age. Walter simply enjoyed living his life with those he loved. We will all miss him.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, 1:00-5:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St, Naperville, IL 60540.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 8, 10:30 AM at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff Rd, Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 355-4545.
Interment to follow at SS. Peter Paul Cemetery, Naperville, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter's memory may be made to:
Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry, 1871 High Grove Lane, Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 355-3663, www.loaves-fishes.org
For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com