Walter K. Whitfield, 78, of Norwich, VT, and formerly of Keene, NH, died Friday evening, March 2, 2012, at his home following a courageous battle with lung disease.
He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Jan. 3, 1934, the son of Charles and Anna (Poleschuk) Whitfield.
Shortly after graduating from St. Augustine's High School and marrying his high school sweetheart, Mr. Whitfield enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving for a total of nine years, in Korea, Germany, and the U.S. Mr. Whitfield was subsequently employed by Rockwell International as a Computer Systems Project Engineer until his retirement. Although Mr. Whitfield's time in Norwich may have been a brief four years, these were some of the most treasured years of his life, as he relished many peaceful hours gazing out onto the beautiful wooded landscape surrounding his home. He enjoyed bird watching, was an avid reader of science fiction/fantasy novels, stamp collector, and family genealogist. He took great solace in his time spent in prayer, and was a committed philanthropist. He valued time shared with his family and beloved pets, Snowy, Ginger, Mischief and Zephyr.
He is survived by his son, Kevin, daughter, Donnamarie, granddaughter, Mariah, sister, Gail, and brothers Joe, Bob, and Cliff. He was predeceased by his wife, Ann in 2007 and brother, Charles, in 2009.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 10th, at 11am, at the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Norwich, VT. A private burial will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Keene, NH. Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction has been entrusted with the arrangements; Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Whitfield's memory to Food for The Poor www.foodforthepoor.org.