Walter "Walt" Williams

3/24/1944 - 11/7/2025

New London – Walter "Walt" Williams, 81, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away Nov. 7, 2025, surrounded by his immediate family. Walt was born to Grace and Robert Williams in Scranton, Pa., March 24, 1944. His siblings included two sisters, Joanne and Susan and four younger brothers, Bobby, Michael, Thomas, and Chris (all deceased). After a 20-year career in the Navy, Walt's father worked on the installation of missile silos around the country.  His family lived from Newfoundland to California and all places in between during those years. One thing remained constant throughout his childhood, his love of learning. Whether it be a history book or an entire encyclopedia set, his thirst for knowledge was notable. When enrolled in his fourth high school, his father took a job at General Dynamic in Groton. Walt had had it with the nomadic lifestyle and stayed in Wyoming to finish his last two years of high school when his family moved back east.  In 1966, he was attending the University of Wyoming and enjoying his short summer job as a wrangler on a cattle ranch.  But with the draft looming, he left his pursuit of history and dreams of being a cowboy to enlist for a three-year stint in the Army. While stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas, he was fortunate to stay stateside, managed somehow to continue his college education at UTEP, and met his future wife, Tita Steele.  Upon an honorable discharge from the Army in 1969, he and Tita married in El Paso and moved to Connecticut where he had a job at United Nuclear waiting for him.  

While juggling his job at United Nuclear and continuing his education at the University of Connecticut, he earned a master's degree in European History.  Wanting to share his love of history, he obtained his teaching certification at Eastern Connecticut State College.  He taught at Harbor School and created a Rocket Club, Edgerton School where he taught ESL, and Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School where he became a Department Head. While at BDJMS he started an especially popular chess club and was loved by his students (especially for his Tic-Tac awards).  He worked at New London Adult & Continuing Education in the evenings, adding the teaching of citizenship to his resume, a particularly fulfilling experience for him. 

Walt always believed in doing the right thing and defending those who needed it. Starting in college as a member of the Young Democrats, he was passionately engaged in politics throughout his life and served his community in many ways. His contributions include President of the New London Education Association and a board member of the Connecticut Education Association. In New London, he was a member of the Finance Board, the Board of Appeals, the Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Democratic Town Committee. In retirement he volunteered for the Red Cross and often helped his wife with New London Beautification Committee projects.

In his personal and shared travels, he was able to visit all 50 states. He enjoyed hiking and loved the challenge of conquering the High Points of various states.  He was especially proud of descending Mt. Washington and hiking in the Grand Canyon every 10 years since 1958.  Throughout their 56 years of marriage, Walt and Tita enjoyed traveling around the world together. They embarked on as many U.S. road trips with their children as they could fit into their shared summer vacation schedules. Being an American history teacher, he showed them (sometimes begrudgingly) every Civil War battlefield in the vicinity.  Walt was also an avid supporter of both his children's academic and athletic endeavors.  With his wife, they attending as many events as they could from t-ball through college soccer.  

But most importantly, Walt was the life of the party. A natural-born storyteller, his blending of detail, suspense and humor spiced with a slight amount of enhancement could make any story entertaining. His laugh would fill a room. His love of socializing was the basis for many of his hobbies – sailing at the Thames Yacht Club, traveling to UConn basketball games and the Frozen Four hockey tournaments with friends, enjoying art museums and shows at The Garde, and listening to an eclectic range of music.  For over 40 years, he cherished having conversations during breakfast with his dear friend Lenny Davis.

He is survived by his wife Martha "Tita" Williams; son Jason Williams and wife Linda, grandchildren Brynn, Wesley, and Max; and daughter Shannon Williams. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank the staff at L+M Hospital and Hospice for the wonderful care Walt received in the last few days of his life.  And a very special thanks goes to his homecare aide, Anna Caban.  Walt and Anna developed a strong bond while watching old westerns together. 

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at the Pilot House at Ocean Beach Park.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the New London Veterans Advisory Committee, care of the Finance department City of New London, the Alzheimer's Foundation (https://act.alz.org), or Hospice Foundation (hospicefoundation.org).