Walter John Niland

Walter John “Jack” Niland, 85, of Glebe Road Westmoreland, NH, passed away May 16th, 2018, at Westwood Care and Rehabilitation Center in Keene, NH, peacefully, with family at his side. New Year’s baby Jack was born January 1, 1933 in Meriden, CT to Walter Francis and Mary Elizabeth (Bridgett) Niland. Jack graduated from high school in Southington, CT in 1951 where he was known as “Jet” Niland for his speed in track and field. He then attended Cheshire Academy for two years. Jack enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955. He fondly remembers days spent in the surf of Hawaii on R and R.

Jack had numerous jobs as a young man from cutting asparagus to working for Pratt & Whitney and Security Insurance in Hartford. He then moved his family to Keene in 1969 to work as a Sr. Systems Analyst at National Grange Mutual, retiring from there in 1995.

On June 25, 1975, he married Christina Martin of Walpole, NH . They would have celebrated 43 years together this year.

Jack is a life member and Past Commander of both Gordon-Bissell American Legion Post 4 and VFW Daley Whipple Post 799. He also served as VFW District 5 Commander 1982-83 and later as Deputy Inspector District 5 1995-96 and Assistant Inspector General for Department of New Hampshire 1997-98. For many years he chaired the VFW Post 799’s Voice of Democracy program.

A true outdoorsman, he had a love for fishing in all bodies of water including ice fishing in the winter. Most open water weekends were spent trolling for perch and trout on area lakes or fishing the ocean. He hunted deer, turkey and other small game. Jack had a 35 year long hobby making maple syrup. He also participated in the NGM golf and bowling leagues and softball team.

Jack will be remembered for hosting annual fish frys, corn roasts and sugar on snow parties, his outgoing personality, engaging smile and ability to tell stories. For several years, Jack performed the role of the Cop in The Old Homestead play at the Pot Ash Bowl. His culinary skills ranged from award winning pickles and vinegars to fish chowders and wine making. For many years he sold vegetables and pumpkins from a roadside stand.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife Christina and their daughters Leigh Niland and her partner Jason Gill of Brattleboro, VT and Paige Niland of Keene, NH. Jack’s sons John and wife Barbara Niland of Fremont, NH and Keven Niland and wife Karen of Madbury, NH and stepson Brian Heck of Minnesota. Brothers Thomas and wife Marcy of Wallingford, CT, Roger Niland of Unionville, CT and Jeffrey Niland and wife Elaine of Moodus, CT. Grandchildren Patrick Niland, Spencer Niland, Phoebe Niland and Xander Niland-Gill and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours begin at 11:30 am followed by service at 12:30 pm Monday, May 21. Burial will follow at South Village Cemetery on Glebe Rd, Westmoreland, NH with military honors. A Celebration of Jack’s life will be held at the VFW Daley Whipple Post 799 following interment.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to NH Fish & Game programs at https://wildlife.state.nh.us/funding/donate.html or by mail to

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department

ATTN: Business Division

11 Hazen Drive

Concord, NH 03301