Henry (Hank) Walter

Hank Walter died on November 17, 2016 after a brief illness. He was born in Philadelphia on November 18, 1927 to Anton and Ida Walter. He was taught by Jesuits for much of his life - he attended St Joseph's Preparatory High School, St Joseph's University, served in the military, and then moved to New York where he attended Fordham University and became a journalist.

He worked in both print and on-air news, winning awards for many of his documentaries and editorials. Hank eventually moved from journalism to public service, working for the NYC mayor Abe Beame and for the Comptroller of NY, Harrison Goldin.

Hank loved New York City, but also loved the countryside and enjoyed traveling the world. He and his wife Mary lived in the Bronx, in Dobbs Ferry, in Tarrytown and most recently in Ossining. They spent many summers in Vermont amd Cape Cod as well as  traveled in Europe and the Middle East. He was a gardener, a camper and hiker, and a voracious reader of history and philosophy. His outlook on life was imbued with the joy he found in the Catholic Church.

Since 1956, Hank was an active member and past President of the Inner Circle, a City Hall reporters’ group. He delighted in acting and singing in their annual productions. He also took to the stage in five fantastic productions with the YMCA Community Theater in Tarrytown.

He also belonged to the Society of the Silurians; the Dobbs Ferry Historical Society, where he was Past President, Trustee and newsletter writer; and the Newspaper Guild of New York. He volunteered at Cabrini’s Nursing Home and was a Eucharistic Minister for Sacred Heart Parish in Dobbs Ferry, a member of Transfiguration Church in Tarrytown and a singer in both choirs.

Hank is survived by the love of his life, Mary Walter, and his eight children: Mary (Rick) Clarfeld, Paul Walter, Elizabeth (Jack Ryan) Walter, John Walter, Ann (Peter) Royston, Mark (Jez) Walter, Catherine Walter and Ruth(Kevin McNeill) Walter; ten grandchildren: Cody(Lori), Molly Rose, Nicholas, Emily, Gabriel, William, Timothy, Claire, Andrew and Laura and one great-granddaughter, Josie.

A memorial mass and celebration of his life will be held in early 2017 at Transfiguration Church in Tarrytown. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his name to St Joseph's Preparatory School, 1733 West Girard Ave Philadelphia 19130. The generous scholarship they awarded him changed his life and is the reason he became such an amazing writer, philosopher and poet.

A Memorial Mass will be held in honor of Hank on January 14, 2017 at Transfiguration Church at 2 PM. All are welcome.

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