Obituary of Walter Joseph Waligurski

Walter Joseph Waligurski, of Essex passed away on April 7th at Essex Meadows. He was born in New London on May 20, 1916, the son of the late Stephen Stanley and Beatrice (Komoroski) Waligurski. Walter was the beloved husband of Anita (Davis) Kenyon Waligurski whom he married in Groton on June 9, 1973. A long time resident of Gales Ferry, he had been an Essex resident for the past seven years. Walt worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector at the Electric Boat Company in Groton for 41 years, retiring May 1, 1981. During his career, he was the President of the Boilermakers Union and a strong advocate for workers' benefits. He successfully brought Workman's Compensation to Electric Boat, and was also the first advocate for workers suffering from Asbestosis and Mesothelioma at the shipyard. Walter was a longtime parishioner and Sunday School teacher at St. David's Episcopal Church in Gales Ferry, and later became a parishioner at St. John's Episcopal Church in Essex. Walt was loved by many. All who knew Walt will remember his gracious manner, concern for others, great love of his family, joy in story-telling, and infectious laugh. Walt is survived by his wife Anita, his daughter Lowana Reid, his five grandchildren Lowana Marien, Edmund Scarchilli, Farris Reid, Cameron Reid, and Heath Reid and seven great grandchildren."Gramps" also was the beloved stepfather and grandfather to Anita's family: stepsons Bruce, Michael, and Timothy Kenyon, grandchildren Erin Sanders, Thomas Kenyon, Robert Kenyon, Katherine Henderson, Allison Trombly, Christopher Kenyon, Sean Kenyon, and Daniel Kenyon, as well as ten great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife Harriet, brothers Victor and Stephen, sister Ann, and son Richard.A memorial service will be held at St. David's Episcopal Church, Route 12, Gales Ferry, at a later date. Private burial will be held in Saint Mary's Cemetery in New London. Memorial contributions may be made to VITAS Hospice, 628 Hebron Avenue, Suite 300, Glastonbury, CT 06033. To share a memory of Walter or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.