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Leonard Walter, 97, a longtime resident of Clinton, unexpectedly passed away at home on May 3. He will be reunited with his beloved wife, Stella, who predeceased him on Nov. 1, 2019. Leonard also was predeceased by his parents Thomas H. Walter and E. Marion Walter and his sisters Jeanne Whitcher and Helen Laird. Born in Cheshire on Feb. 20, 1924, he moved with his family to Guilford when he was very young.

“Len” spent his early years in Guilford and then moved to Clinton when he was in 8th grade. He always had lots of stories to tell about the many adventures he had while he was growing up on the shoreline of Connecticut. Leonard graduated from The Morgan School in Clinton in 1942. A few months later, he enlisted in the Army Air Force. While in training in St. Louis, Missouri, a friend introduced him to Estella. They corresponded during World War II when he was stationed in North Africa and Italy. After the war he went right back to St. Louis, proposed and married Stella, and then brought her to live in Clinton. They were married for 74 years.

During his life, Len had many varied jobs. His goal always was to own his own business. This he did when he bought Walt’s Waste Removal. Len worked long and hard and his business grew. With Stella as his helpmate, they created a very successful business that they were proud of. Later on, he bought another business, Walter’s Cottage’s in Madison. Len said that he was very fortunate in his life. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time when opportunities appeared. Being a very successful businessman, he was able to retire at age 55.

Even when he was retired, he still liked to work doing various jobs for other people. During this time, Len was deeply involved in the community, too. He was a member and active participant in The American Legion, the Masons, and Elks. He was also an active member of The First Church of Christ, Congregational in Clinton and enjoyed being the auctioneer at many of the church’s summer fairs. If anyone ever needed help, Len was always there for them. Leonard and Stella were ardent square dancers, too, and made many lifelong friends that they socialized with and traveled with.

In retirement, Leonard and Stella were able to enjoy many years traveling around the United States and Europe. Len also had time to rekindle his love for art. He spent many years creating watercolors of scenes around Clinton. He enjoyed gardening as well as playing golf, too. Family was also very important to him, and he and Stella spent much time involved in activities with their children and grandchildren. In his own words, Leonard always said, “I had a good life. I was very fortunate and blessed.” He will be missed by many who were fortunate to know him.

He is survived by his daughter Beverly Cyr (Guy Cyr), his son Bill Walter (Caroline Walter), and his grandchildren Michelle Cyr (Emily Golinsky), Marc Cyr (Jillian Cyr), Dylan Walter, and Jason Walter (Meredith Walter). He is also survived by Jason and Dylan’s mother Carol Walter; two great-grandchildren, Maris and Joshua; and many special nieces and nephews and friends.

The family also gives a special thank you to his caregivers Elizabeth and Pam and nurse Laurie, who continued to make his life enjoyable and worthwhile during this last year. A private family burial will be in a few weeks, and at a later date there will be a memorial service at The First Church of Christ, Congregational in Clinton to remember and honor Leonard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Len’s name to: Middlesex Hospice Home Care, 28 Crescent St. Middletown, CT or The First Church of Christ, Congregational, 55 Church Rd. Clinton, CT 06413.