Walter Scott Coon Jr.

His parents, Walter Sr. and Marjorie (née McDonough), welcomed him to a lovely and loving childhood in Ludlow, MA on April 5, 1926. After graduating from Cathedral High School in Springfield, he served in the U.S. Army across Western Europe with the 44th Infantry Division, eventually working with the Army Intelligence Corps to arrest Nazis. While on furlough in August 1945, he learned the war had ended when a theater manager interrupted the show to make the announcement. Soon after, he was deployed to Fort Smith, AR where he completed his service in June 1946.

After the war, Walter went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Saint Michael’s College. Following a few years in politics and working for several companies, Walter embraced his longtime calling to teach. He earned master's degrees from Bridgewater State and Westfield State, respectively, and went on to teach history and geography at Birchland Park in East Longmeadow for 31 years until “retiring.” What followed was over a decade as the librarian at Our Lady of Hope School in Springfield, where the principal was his wife and, technically, his boss. After actually retiring, they moved to Cape Cod, where Walter enjoyed his family, dog(s), and being a lifelong learner.

Walter was predeceased by his parents, as well as his brother Shaun and sister Debbie (Moraes). He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Joan (née Rafferty), his son Michael (“Milt”), his son Brendan and his wife Nicole, his grandchildren Max, Amelia, and Otis, and many nephews, nieces, cousins and neighbors who will never forget his heroism, kindness, or humor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education. Visiting hours and a funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of The Assumption in Osterville on 12/16 beginning at 10am, with a reception to follow. Burial will be privately held at Massachusetts National Cemetery later in the week.