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Walter Powell Obituary
Walter A. Powell III passed away on October 17, 2024, in his hometown of Branford, Connecticut. "Wally" was born on September 21, 1948, in Amsterdam, New York, to Walter A. Powell Jr and Effie Vasill Powell, and raised in Lordship, Stratford, Connecticut.
Wally obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees in history and special education from Southern Connecticut State University. It was at Southern that he met his "bride", Linda, and made the lifelong friendships of his fraternity brothers, with whom he had many memorable adventures that can't be disclosed here. He spent the majority of his career as a Special Ed. teacher at Stratford High School, where he gained the friendships of many fellow educators. The teaching schedule permitted him to pursue his true passion and calling as a saltwater angler during the summer months. Affectionately known as "Wally Bass" to fishing partners and friends, he could be found fishing for striped bass, fluke, bluefish, and blackfish in the waters of Long Island Sound in the captain's seat of the Reel Affair(s). Wally loved off-shore fishing in the waters off Montauk. A highlight of his fishing career was landing first place during the 1994 Star Island Yacht Club Tournament with a 554-lb. Mako Shark. The ocean was his higher power and he was always at home on its waters, especially around the Branford and Guilford coastlines.
Between Final Fours, the Indianapolis 500s, and Super Bowls, Wally loved sports, a passion he shared with his son and his best friend, the late John Adams of Indianapolis. He cherished traveling to sporting events with John and their families and lived on those memories for many years.
In the kitchen, Wally was a talented chef, and you could find him swapping recipe tips, seeking out the best local corn stands each summer, tending to his vegetable garden, or bartering fish for farm goods down the road at Medlyn Farms. Good luck finding a better clams casino.
Wally was very loyal to his family and friends. He was most proud of his children, daughter, Brynn and son, Nicholas. When they were young, you could find him on the sidelines of their sports games (and keeping the refs honest), fishing from the Reel Affair or on F Dock of the marina, and making clam chowder and manning the grill for the annual 4th of July picnics. Despite his somewhat gruff disposition and penchant for humor infused with colorful language, he had a big heart and would go to any length for anyone he cared for.
He is survived by his daughter, Brynn (Jackson, Wyo), son, Nicholas "Nik" (Branford), former spouse, Linda (Branford), sister, Kathie A. Powell (Stratford), close friend, Kevin Langan (Naples, FL), and many loving and supporting friends.
The family is grateful for the care and peace provided at Branford Hospice, where Wally was aptly overlooking Branford Harbor and Long Island Sound during his final days. A special thanks to Josefa, of Right at Home, for her caregiving over recent years. Donations in Wally's memory can be made to Branford Hospice ( https://www.hospice.com/donate/ ).
The family intends to organize a celebration of life for Wally on the water early next summer. Stay tuned for details.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Powell
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Jim Galvin
June 25, 2025
Wally and I were fishing buddies. The big shark he caught was on my boat. He caught many big tuna as well on the "Galvinizer" truly a good guy and family man
Glenn Mallory
October 22, 2024
From the Village Pub to 500 Blake to Pier 66 where our kids learned boating to Bruce and Johnson's marina with a stop at Lenny´s from time to time and especially Block Island. I´m glad I knew you through them all!
RIP Wally Bass
Captain Mal
Christy Hayes
October 22, 2024
Wally was a great guy, got to bond with him at Brendan Towers in New Haven . May he Rest in Peace
Shelly
October 21, 2024
From the first afternoon at Southern ,(Kennedy house) when you came to pick up my sister on that gorgeous bike.. I felt this was gonna be quite a ride. You didn´t disappoint. There was always a surprise, usually a delightful one . And later , it was always all about the kids. Like the time on Christmas Eve, you went all the way down to Stamford in a snowstorm, to find that years `illusive and sought after doll ` that nobody else has been able to all season for one of your nieces . My father was very proud to call you. "his son-in-law "... You earned that from him... Not an easy thing for him to give ,a wink and a nod ,to the guy who would ask for his first born daughter. And what about those Christmas trees? you always manage to find just the perfect one... And the tallest! You lived life to the fullest every day, I loved you, Wally... Have a great trip.. Here´s hoping you have ,clear visibility and calm waters ,all the way.
Jarrod Miller
October 21, 2024
I remember most going out on the boat to fish with him on Saturdays, foregoing my beloved cartoons and not knowing anything about fishing so all I used to catch was crabs and skate fish. Always quick with the dry humor, he kept you on your toes. You will be missed.
Debbie G
October 21, 2024
Wally was a Dad coach and avid cheerleader for his children.
Sarah G (deceased) and Brynn were friends and teammates .
As time passes you let go of the difficult memories and cherish the fond ones.
Peace
Dee Maynard
October 21, 2024
Wally, I will never forget you at college when you and Ollie rode your motorcycles through our apartment from the front door on Whalley Ave, then past me at the kitchen table doing homework, and out the back door without stopping. Who knew this wild untamed rebel would become the best brother and son in law to my crazy family. Thank you for being so good to my whole family. Despite your mean bark and tough outer Grinch persona, everyone who knew you knew you had the biggest and generous any of us "outlaws" could ask for. You are a big part of our family, always will be, and I'm comforted knowing we will all see you again in heaven aome day. Lucky you to be with Nana and Poppi now and all the others gone before you. You will be greatly missed until then, my friend. From your "favorite sister - in- law". Dee Maynard . Venice, FL 954-895-9292.
Marilyn & Bob Parks and the Olson family
October 20, 2024
Wally provided wonderful support for my mother starting when she was in her mid 80´s and he was in his mid 50´s. He made her a part of his family and, with his wife Linda, did so much to make my mother´s final years full of a family loving friendship.
Bill&Gerri Rienzi
October 20, 2024
So sorry to hear of Wally´s passing
Our sincere condolences
Bill & Gerri Rienzi
Mark Vece
October 20, 2024
Very well written
I was a part of many of those adventures
Lucky to have reconnected with Wally recently
May he RIP
Kay Rod
October 20, 2024
Deepest condolences to all who are feeling the loss of Wally. He was a teacher at SHS when I was a student and I was lucky to also work with him for two years as a teacher. We shared numerous good times at Christmas parties and afternoon meetings. Wally could always make me laugh! Rest in peace Wally.
Bill Dest
October 20, 2024
Rest in peace Waldo! Lot´s of memories and fun times during and after the Beta days. You were a loyal friend and loved life on the water and fishing. Had some memorable Monday Night Football nights along the way!
Jen Williamson
October 20, 2024
My sincerest condolences on Wally´s passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at Stratford High for 10 years. Wally always kept us going with his humor, which was appreciated and needed often. Two of his specialties that kept things lively were his "telephone tree" to keep us all in the loop of current events and his well known Wally greeting. Rest easy on the high seas in the sky, Wally. We will miss you.
Cristina & Justin
October 20, 2024
We are sending out our never-ending love & manifesting a future with tons of laughter and less tears. We are promising reassurance and understanding ....to Brynn, the most beautiful and wonderful daughter a Dad could be blessed with... and Nik, a son who can see good in everyone because he always holds tight to the goodness in himself.
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