Walter J. Rose Sr.

Walter J. Rose, Sr., age 90, of Pomfret, Connecticut and most recently of Panama City, Florida, passed away on March 9, 2026. Born on October 15, 1935, in Oneco, Connecticut, Walt lived a long and hardworking life defined by quiet strength, humor, and deep devotion to his family.

Walt completed high school and technical school before proudly serving his country. He joined the United States Army in 1955 and later transferred to the United States Air Force, where he served as an aircraft mechanic. His skill and dedication to the trade continued after his military service, as he worked for many years maintaining and repairing aircraft for many airports. Later, he became the owner of Walt's Power Equipment in Pomfret, Connecticut, where he was a familiar and trusted face in the community. Walt could often be seen shooting the breeze with his customers and driving around town while pointing at people driving their lawn mowers and saying, "I'll be fixing that one soon." More often than not, he was right.

In 1974, Walt married the love of his life, Lillian Rose. Together they built a life centered around family and shared devotion until her passing in 2017.

A man of few words, Walt had his own colorful vocabulary and nicknames for those he loved most. His grandchildren affectionately called him "Noisy Papa," "Papa Dude!," and simply "Papa." Though quiet by nature, his presence filled a room, and his dry humor was unforgettable to those who knew him. He was a Mason, and another little-known fact- he had a country band called "The Country Wonders".

Walt had a lifelong love of Western movies and had seen many of them hundreds of times. His favorite shows were Two and a Half Men and Looney Tunes, and his family could often hear him belly-laughing from across the room while watching it. He also enjoyed country music, but only Willie's Roadhouse and Buck Owens. Walt finally retired in December 2025 and moved to Florida to become a snowbird.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lillian Rose; his son, Brian Rose; his parents, Jesse Rose and Lorena Anderson; and his siblings, Edward Rose and Lorena Morin.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving children: Debra Jurek, Robin White (Kenny), Kristen Karkota (Chris), Walter J. Rose, Jr. (Vikki), and Garry Rose (Belinda). He was a proud grandfather to Alexandra Rose, Carly Curtis (Sean), Brandon Rose (Samm), Tyler White (Lexi), Taylor White, and Ally Karkota. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Bailey Curtis, Cooper Curtis, and Matthew Scott, Jr.

He is also survived by his favorite cousin and best friend, Fred Stone, Jr. (Leila), and his business partner and friend Jeff Perry, and many other extended family members and friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.

A private service will be held by the family.

Walt will be remembered for his steady hands, his quiet wisdom, and the unmistakable way he made people smile without saying much at all. His legacy lives on in the family he loved and the countless lives he helped along the way.