Walter C. Lipscombe

Walter Carter Lipscombe

November 12, 1931 – January 14, 2026

Walter C. Lipscombe was born on November 12, 1931, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the youngest of two children to Reginald Samuel Lipscombe and Julia Jane Carter Lipscombe. He spent his formative years in Philadelphia before joining the United States Army.

Walter served honorably during the Korean War. He enlisted on November 20, 1952, and completed one year and six months with the Transportation Army Reserve Signal Corps. Walter's assignment was in the 1824 Headquarters Company, 4th Signal Group. His military duty included approximately eighteen months stationed in Germany and an additional four months in the United States, including time in Missouri. While abroad, he worked as a cook, preparing meals for fellow soldiers and traveling throughout Germany and neighboring countries. These experiences broadened his perspective and influenced many of his subsequent life decisions. Walter was honorably discharged as a Corporal on October 27, 1954, receiving both the National Defense Service Medal and the Occupation Medal.

After completing his service, Walter relocated to New York, where he spent several years advancing his education at Pratt Institute-a renowned institution for art, design, and architecture-supported by the GI Bill during the 1960s. His studies were inspired by his former European Army experiences with historic European architecture. On August 3, 1963, Walter married Margaret Anne Howard; their marriage spanned over 62 years. The couple established their home in Connecticut in 1965, and they were blessed with two daughters, Marijka and Philana.

Walter began his professional career at an architectural firm before joining the United Nations headquarters in New York, where he worked for many years. At the United Nations he drafted designs for buildings in New York City. He chose to stay in New York rather than travel around the world for the U.N. to remain at home and raise his children. He regularly commuted from Connecticut to New York City until his retirement from the U.N. in 1991. In his leisure time, Walter enjoyed traveling with his family, including trips across the country to the Grand Canyon in his camper. Visits to Hawaii, the Caribbean islands on cruises and international travel exploring destinations in Portugal and Spain.

Walter's Christian faith was an important part of his life. He enjoyed traveling, listening to music, working in the yard and owning cars/trucks. He was always known for his kindness, warm demeanor, and ability to foster friendships even in the grocery store. He treated everyone with respect and compassion.

Walter is survived by his wife, Margaret, daughters Marijka Jefferson and Philana Dias, son-in-law Bernard Jefferson, grandchildren Brianna Dias and Matthew Jefferson, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Reginald and Julia Lipscombe, and his sister Gloria Brown.

Services will be private. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.