WALTER G. DAVIS, JR. Waterford – Walter (“Walt”) G. Davis, Jr., 94, died Tuesday, December 11, 2018 surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home. He was born in New London, CT on August 25, 1924, the son of Walter G. Davis, Sr. and Caroline (Edgecomb) Davis.
He attended local schools and graduated from the former Bulkeley School, Class of 1942. For many years, he enjoyed monthly lunches with his classmates. He was one of the oldest remaining “Bulkeley Boys”.
Walter grew up during the Great Depression. His youth and adolescence were defined by hardship and personal sacrifice. His sensitivity to the difficult circumstances and needs of his family had a profound influence on his character.
As the youngest sibling, he was determined to improve the course of their circumstances through hard work and sheer diligence. With no more than a high school diploma, he became a banker, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and community due to his personal values of honesty and integrity. His banking career spanned a total of 45 years during which time he held positions as a clerk, teller, National Bank Examiner, and Vice President.
In 1989, he retired from Connecticut National Bank (Head office in Hartford) after 38 years of perfect attendance. He was drafted into the US Navy in March, 1944, proudly served until June, 1946, and was honorably discharged as a Radioman 2nd Class. As a patriotic member of the Greatest Generation, he proudly flew our flag which, to the end of his life, brought tears to his eyes.
He married Joanne Schuch on September 10, 1995 in a small, intimate ceremony in Bermuda which he described as the “best thing I’ve ever done”. A private person by nature and a romantic at heart, he frequently and freely professed his love for Joanne to family, friends, and strangers. They were married 23 years, 3 months, and 1 day.
To which he would respond, “And she never lets me forget it! ” She survives him. Walt had an open and compassionate heart and he never forgot the struggles of the past.
His generosity was legendary. Throughout his lifetime, he willingly and spontaneously stepped forward to assist those in need and asked for nothing in return. He significantly changed the lives of family and friends with his love and support.
Our lives are fuller, better, and richer because of him. He was a gentleman of the highest order, a teacher, a role model, a mentor, and an inspiration to the generations he leaves behind. He would be humbled to know how he has influenced us in direct and subtle ways.
And to think all he wanted us to say was “He died”. He resided in Glastonbury for 34 years before returning to Waterford in 2014. He is survived by his family: Francine Schuch of Waterford; Virginia Levasseur (Emile) of Norwich; Thomas Schuch (Catherine) of Niantic; William Schuch (Regina) of Farmington; and Robert Schuch (Sherry) of Uncasville and Tampa, FL.
He leaves many nieces, nephews, great nephews, and 1 great niece. He has left his handprint on each of our hearts. He was predeceased by his brother Fred Davis and sisters Gladys and Lucy Davis.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 15 from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave. , New London followed by a celebration of his life. A private burial service with military honors will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery on a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the charitable organization of your choice. Condolences may be left on Walter’s memorial page at www. neilanfuneralhome.com.
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