It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
George S. Patton
Howard J. "Walt" Walter Obituary
Retired Lieutenant Commander Howard John "Walt" Walter, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, at the age of 93. He was born on October 28, 1931, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Raymond G. Walter and Bertha Pasch Walter. He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Dolores Bald Walter, who cherished every moment they shared
Walt devoted his life to service and education, establishing a legacy characterized by dedication and unwavering patriotism. A distinguished veteran, he served as a Career US Naval Aviator and Officer until his retirement with the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1975. His combat deployments included tours in Vietnam and Korea. As a highly proficient Naval Aviator (Pilot), Walt was qualified in numerous types of Naval aircraft and was a decorated Vietnam combat veteran. He was also a member of the Naval Hurricane Hunters. He was also stationed in Antarctica, Hong Kong, the Philippines, the South Pole, and New Zealand, as well as various other international locales.
A man of intellect and dedication, Walt pursued higher education with vigor. He earned a Master's degree from the State University College at Buffalo after completing his undergraduate studies at Purdue University. He was a lifelong Boilermaker fan and supported the crew team throughout his life, having been a member of the first crew team and helped establish the team in 1950. Over the years he would go to support the Crew Team and was known to say, “Keep priorities in your life- your faith first, family second, academics and career third.”
His passion for precision and discipline extended beyond his professional endeavors. This is evidenced by his active role as a National Board Member for the National Rifle Association (NRA) and as the Committee Chair for Competition Shooting, longtime Chair of the Highpower Committee and served on many other committees. Walt was a past President of the North Carolina Rifle and Pistol Association and remained on the board until his death.
Walt was an accomplished shooter, both as a member of the US Navy Shooting Team for which he was Officer-in-Charge, and as a civilian. Walt competed in Smallbore, Smallbore F-Class, High Power Rifle (all disciplines), F-Class High Power Rifle both Mid-Range and Long Range, and Conventional/Precision “Bullseye” Pistol. He was both distinguished and a member of the President's Hundred.
He later embarked on a distinguished career that included positions as a professor at Canisius College and in aerospace technology with ARO Corporation in Buffalo, NY. In addition he was a published author of 7 books and did the editing for the NRA’s Rule Book.
Walt was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kathleen Bruegger; sister, Anita Bryant, and his brother, Raymond Walter.
His legacy continues through his children: son John Walter and wife Cheryl of Stamford, CT, and daughter Rebecca Hope Walter Bryant of Flat Rock, NC and partner Jeffrey Graham of Oneida, TN. The family would like to acknowledge Edie Fleeman of Raleigh, North Carolina as an honorary daughter, confidant and editor.
Walt was a proud grandfather to Patrick Daniell Walter Bryant, engaged to Isabel Phillips, both of North Charleston, Reagan Avery Bryant of Charlotte, NC, Addison Patience Bryant of Charleston, SC, Miles Bruegger of Denver, CO, Christian Trinkley of Piedmont, SC, and Jack Walter of Charlotte, NC.
Although Hamburg, NY, was their previous home, Walt and his wife, Dolores, made Flat Rock, NC their home in 1989. He was a lifelong champion of The 2nd Amendment. He was a proud and active member and executive officer of the Blackhawks Rifle Club. On Sundays he could be found at the Asheville Rifle and Pistol Club. He continued shooting up until fall of 2024. His indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to his family and country will be dearly missed.
Walt's life will be celebrated with a visitation and reception on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Church Street Funeral & Cremation in Hendersonville, NC.
A graveside service, with full military honors, will be conducted at Acacia Park Cemetery, Buffalo, NY, on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM.
