Walter C. Hay Jr.

Walter Cameron Hay Jr., 79, passed away peacefully at his home on December 7, 2009 Born March 28, 1930 in Brockton, MA. Son of Walter and Isabelle Hay. He was brought up in North Easton, MA and attended Tufts College earning a B.A. degree in Electrical Engineering in 1951. Walter attended OCS in Newport, RI and was commissioned in USNR in 1952, serving in California, Japan, Korea and New London, CT. Upon release from active duty in 1956, Walt joined the Underwater Sound Laboratory in New London and was employed there from 1956 to 1985, holding several positions in the Surface Ship Department including several years as the Division Head of the Special Developments Division and as Program Manager. He worked on the development and testing of surface ship hull-mounted and towed sonars. After 1985, Walt worked for Tracor and later for Analysis and Technology in their New London offices. Walter married Virginia Vine in 1958 and lived with Ginny in Quaker Hill for fifty years. His beloved wife, Ginny, predeceased him in July of 2008. He is survived by his son Walter C. Hay III of New Smyrna Beach, FL; his daughter Susan McGuire of Waterford, CT; his brother-in-law Craig Vine of Waterford, and his four grandchildren: Kristin Campbell of Wakefield, RI, Walter C. Hay IV of Manchester, CT, Sarah and Danielle McGuire of Waterford. Walter served for several years on Waterford's Planning and Zoning Commission. He was a long time member of the Thames Yacht Club. He enjoyed traveling, photography and sailing. He was a wonderful man and will be missed. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to: West Farms Land Trust, P.O. Box 113, Quaker Hill, CT 06375. There will be a private burial. Calling hours are on Sunday, December 20th from 3-5 p.m. at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Avenue in New London. Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com for directions, to view his video tribute, or to sign the family's on-line guestbook.