Walter G. Thorpe

Walter G. Thorpe was born on September 13, 1969, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Evelyn (Tilford) Thorpe and George "Butch" Semper II. Affectionately known as Wally, Wizz, Gator, Papa Wally, or simply Thorpe, he transitioned after a courageous four-year battle following a brain injury.

Wally was the youngest of three children and was raised on Hammond Street in Lower Roxbury, Massachusetts. He was educated through the METCO program in Lincoln Public Schools and graduated from Charlestown High School, Boston, MA.

Following high school, Wally proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Paratrooper. During his service, he earned the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Marksman Badge (Rifle), Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. He was honorably discharged after three years of faithful service.

After returning home from the military, Wally worked various jobs and, like many, experienced challenges along the way. His final place of employment was with the Veterans Administration in Jamaica Plain, where he found stability and opportunity, including securing an apartment in a newly built veterans' residence.

Wally had a deep love for sports, especially football. His passion began while playing Pop Warner football with the South End Warriors, where his lifelong bond with his South End family was formed. From a young age, Wally became an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, proudly sporting black and yellow. He also loved basketball and played in the Shelburne Center Sunday morning men's league, as well as Monday nights at Malcolm X Park during the summer men's league.

Known as the life of the party, often rocking Adidas "the three stripes" from head to toe, Wally brought energy and joy to every gathering. Whether singing and dancing with family, trash-talking during card games, or captivating everyone with his storytelling, he had a way of making people laugh. His storytelling-woven so effortlessly from the simplest moments-will be remembered most, often leaving those around him in tears of laughter.

Wally leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Evelyn; his father, Butch; his siblings, Carmen (Thorpe) Santos, Michele (Thorpe) Dent, Dianesha (Semper) Vann, and Benjamin Semper; his children, Tiffany Philyaw, Christian Craft, Brittany Walker, Evelyn Walter Thorpe, and Kori Jones; and his granddaughters, Lenaj Hill and Jaece Bell. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and his beloved brotherhood of friends: 4Real, 4Life, & Beyond.

Please note: The service will stream live at: Myrtle Baptist Church, Newton, MA, Celebration of Life Service Walter Thorpe