Walter "Walt" Sackville

Sackville, Walter "Walt"

a former Marine who built a national insurance business with his wife, Connie and spent decades bringing joy as Santa Claus to everyone, died on August 8, 2025 in Tampa, FL. He was 84.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, on December 13,1940 his parents, Walter and Ethyl (Smyth) were fourth generation Philadelphians. At the age of 16, Walt met his future wife, Connie Cellucci, at a local pizzeria and often cited that day as the best of the many miracles that made his life special.

After high school, Walt entered the Marine Corps, served in military intelligence, was stationed at Guantanamo Bay, and was actively involved in the Bay of Pigs operation. After honorably serving his country, he returned to Philadelphia where he married his life-long sweetheart Connie and began a career with Allstate Insurance. With a growing family in tow, Walt's promotions moved them around the country: Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and ultimately Basking Ridge NJ, close to their summer utopia, the Jersey Shore.

Generosity and joy were Walt's guiding principles. At his first Marine base, Walt took on a role that would define him to those who loved him; Santa. His role as St Nick became an annual practice that was supported by many elves, at first his fellow marine buddies and eventually by his sons. Walt's holiday audience grew as his life unfolded, bringing joyous spirit to co-workers, beloved friends, and many charities. Delivering gifts with his ever-present good cheer and trademark twinkle in his eye, Walt's Santa made any non-believer into a quick convert.

Hard working and savvy, Walt achieved national success as an entrepreneur. Together with his wife, he founded Professional Surveys Inc (PSI) in 1979. The couple started their insurance re-underwriting company in their NJ basement, ultimately building it to a 600-employee firm with offices in New Jersey, California, and Florida. Together they served long-term clients that included State Farm, Allstate, Prudential, USAA and Chubb.

Service to his community was another defining value of Walt's. Retiring in 1998 to Vero Beach, FL, Walt directed his trademark energy and dedication to his new community. As a co-founder and board member of The Sunup Foundation (Florida), an organization dedicated to building and supporting the housing needs of those with intellectual disabilities, Walt, through the organization, was able to help provide dignity, independence, and housing security for those who could not provide for themselves. Additionally, Walt served on the Town Council of Orchid Island from 2000-2006,

Walt loved golf his entire life. He was a founding member of both the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club and the Quail Valley Club, both located in Vero Beach. He was actively involved in the design, implementation and stewardship of these clubs. He loved playing, strategizing, and analyzing the game with fellow members and pros, cracking jokes and delivering his famous one-liners along the way. He participated in many American and International pro-am tournaments, winning, along with his four-man team, cups and trophies in Pebble Beach, CA, Casa de Campo, DR, La Reserva Club, SP and the Scottdale Classic in Arizona.

Walt is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Connie Sackville, and his son W. Joe Sackville. He is predeceased by his son, Stephen Sackville. Truly loved by all, his absence will be felt everyday by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

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