John M. Walker III

Westerly - John M. Walker III, 70, beloved and devoted husband for 43 years of Elizabeth (Dessaules) Walker, of Westerly, died peacefully May 23, 2008 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston surrounded by his loving family. With optimism and courage, John endured his fight with leukemia for the past three years.

A lifelong resident of Westerly, he was born on April 2, 1938. He was the fourth of five children of John M. Jr. and Mary (Anderson) Walker who predeceased him.

John also leaves behind the pride and joy of his life, his daughter, Bethany (Walker) Foster and his son, John M. IV along with their respective spouses, Douglas Foster and Amy (DeFosses) Walker. Affectionately known as "Papa", John was adored by his six grandchildren, Jamie and Brooke Foster, and Lindsay, John M. V, Sydney, and Audrey Walker. He took great pride in his grandchildren's accomplishments and seized every opportunity to spend time with them. He will be sadly missed.

A 1957 graduate of WHS, John attended the University of Rhode Island. Following in his own father's example, John spent his life in service to the men and women of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Well known and respected throughout the New England area, John proudly served as the Business Representative. Recognized as tough but fair negotiator, John kept at heart the best interests of the working people. At the same time, his rapport with management was not diminished but instead, it cultivated a mutual respect and admiration for the passion that he brought to his position as directing business agent. His ability to enhance the lives of the working force was evident in his successful negotiations of over 100 contracts. He felt personally satisfied to have been the first to bring dental coverage for the workers. John continued to maintain long friendships with both sides throughout his life.

John Walker left an indelible mark on the lives of so many. Following 25 years of service to the Union, John enjoyed another 11 years of dedication to his job as manager of the Calabrese Club. He gave his heart and soul to the "Cally" - his vision to make it the best it could be. He was a friend to all and a stranger to none, especially to his dear friend, Louie. Known throughout town as "The Mayor", Johnny Walker took great pride in his hometown of Westerly. His genuine care for others brought him the numerous friendships he truly cherished.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he will be sadly missed by his sisters and their spouses, Catherine Drake and Les of Westerly, Dorothy Stokes of Houston, Texas, Constance Urso and Buba of Westerly, and Carole Cravinho and Joe of Pawcatuck; his brothers-in-law, Erwin Dessaules and his wife, Alice, and Gus Dessaules and his wife, Patty. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. in Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. Funeral services will be held in The United Congregational Church of Westerly located on Castle Hill Road in Pawcatuck on Thursday at 11 a.m. Burial will take place in River Bend Cemetery in Westerly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place W, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226 in John's memory.