Obituary of Robert G. Walker

Robert G. Walker Robert G. Walker a resident of the Town of Wappinger, entered into rest Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at Wingate at Beacon. He was 79. Son of the late Arthur P. and Alice Gilbert Walker, he was born September 3, 1931 in Peekskill, New York. He attended Oakside Grade School then went on to Drum Hill Junior High School and graduated from Peekskill High School in 1949. During his high school years, he was a car hop at the Bop-In on Route 202. After high school Bob went to the New York State Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences, now known as Westchester Community College in White Plains. He graduated with an associate degree in 1951. In the 1950's he was a center for the St. Peter's Boys Club in Peekskill and in the mid-1950's he played semi-pro basketball for the Somers Athletic Club. In September of 1952, he volunteered to serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was in the Eighth Engineer Combat Battalion of the First Calvary Division. Bob was honorably discharged in the fall of 1954. On April 1, 1956 in Peekskill, he married the former Carol Jane Mansfield. Mrs. Walker survives at home in Wappingers Falls. He worked at IBM in East Fishkill and after thirty-five years of service he retired as a Senior Engineer. He went on to work at Support Services in Milan as a general manager. Bob was active in Zion Episcopal Church, Wappingers Falls. He was a former treasurer of the church, member of the vestry, verger, lector and Sunday school teacher. He was also involved in the New Hackensack Fire Company. He is a life member, joining in 1964. He has held numerous offices in the fire company over the years. In 1985, he received the Dutchess County Volunteer Fireman's Association's Award of Merit. He was co-founder of the annual New Hackensack Bavarian Festival. He also played softball in the Dutchess County Rural Firemen's League. Prior to moving to Wappingers Falls, he was a volunteer with Washington Engine Company in Peekskill for twelve years, where held numerous offices. Bob was also a former member of the Planning Board in the Town of Wappinger. He had several hobbies including stamp collecting, military history and wood working. Bob enjoyed selling his crafts at local craft fairs for many years. As his children were growing up, he was a coach for CYO basketball in Fishkill and Wappingers Falls. He was also a sports buff following the New York Mets, New York Giants and Army Football. In addition to his wife of fifty-four years, he is survived by his children, Marialice Olsen of Wappingers Falls, Michael A. Walker and his wife, Marie of Yarmouth, Massachusetts and Thomas R. Walker and his fianc�e, Kelly Zuewsky of Wappingers Falls; his grandchildren, Alyssa, Meagan and Sarah Walker, Michael P. and Carol C. Olsen, and Christopher T. Walker and Thomas R. Walker, Jr.; his great-granddaughter, Kayleigh Rose Olsen; numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins as well as his brother and sister firefighters. He was predeceased by his sisters, Connie Murray and Alice "Bette" Smith. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at Zion Episcopal Church, 12 Satterlee Place in Wappingers Falls on Friday, November 26, 2010. At 8 p.m., members of the New Hackensack Fire Company will gather for a service. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 27 at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob's name may be made to Zion Episcopal Church, 12 Satterlee Place, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. To send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.