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05/04/2023 12:05 PM

Richard T. Walton Jr.


Richard “Dick” Truman Walton Jr., age 90, resident of Clinton, passed away Christmas Eve 2022. Dick was born on April 11, 1932, and lived all his life in Clinton. He was the son of the late R. Truman Walton and Rebecca (Stannard) Somonsky.

Richard is survived by his wife Dorothy (Peterson) Walton of 67 years. He is predeceased by siblings Barbara Murphy and Ann Atwood.

Dick enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on Sept. 6, 1950; this was the first day of his senior year at the Morgan High School on Main Street. He served for three years during the Korean War as an Artillery Staff Sergeant and returned with three battle stars. He married his high school classmate Dorothy B. Peterson on May 14, 1955, at the Methodist Church.

Dick delivered mail for 38 years along the side streets south of Route 1, going down to Clinton Harbor.

Dick was a devoted husband to his wife, Dottie, and their four children. He enjoyed being involved in their many activities. He spent time taking them fishing, swimming, skating, sledding (even down Breakneck Hill), and on many camping adventures. In 1969, they took a six-week cross-country camping trip visiting many national parks, fishing, and swimming at Yellowstone. Dick loved watching the Yankees play baseball. He was the president of the Clinton Little League. He was also involved in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. He was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans Honor Guard for military funerals, and also an active member of the First Church of Christ Congregational for 53 years.

Richard is survived by his children: Stanley Walton and wife Mary Pat Igoe-Walton of Clinton, Patricia Walton of Clinton, Kenneth Walton of Bradford, Vermont, and Christine and husband Arnold Mantilia of Estero, Florida. He is also survived by grandchildren: Samuel, Erin, Heather, Mary Ellen, Ross, Drew, and Rebecca; and five great-grandchildren.

A graveside service with military honors and a church memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 17, at The Clinton First Church of Christ Congregational. A Reception will follow at the church for family and friends. A graveside service will be at the Indian River Cemetery following the reception. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Clinton First Church of Christ Congregational Steeple Fund https://www.firstchurchclinton.org/giving/online-giving; text: GIVE to 860-864-5735 or mail to 55 Church Road, Clinton, CT, or to the American Legion Post 66, PO Box 197, Clinton, CT 06413.