Richard B. Walker

He was born in Boston on July 10, 1933 to Martha Loveland Walker and William Edward Walker. Dick was predeceased by his sister and brother, Janice Walker and William E. Walker, Jr.

Dick grew up in Medford, Massachusetts and graduated from Medford High School. He then went on to earn his civil engineering degree from Cornell University in 1955. He served in the US Air Force until 1957, leaving full time duty to enroll in Harvard Business School (class of 1959). In 1968 he was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

After starting his career at United Shoe Machinery, Dick spent much of his professional life as President of Comstock & Wescott, a Cambridge-based R&D company, solidly leading the firm for decades.

Dick was devoted to his family, especially Nancy Sartwell Walker, his wife of 61 years. Nothing brought him more joy and laughter than spending time with his daughters, Amy Martin (David), Stephanie Jennings (John) and Allison Chader (Andrew) and their growing families. He played an active role in his grandchildren’s lives and enjoyed many fun-filled family vacations with them: Will, Davis and Karenna Chader; Ben and Martha Jennings; and Walker and Emma Martin.

Travel was also a constant for many years for Dick & Nancy. Group vacations with friends from Marblehead and college classmates ranged from riding camels in Egypt, to cruising down the Danube.

Dick had a lifelong love of the ocean, racing his Day Sailor for many years with his brother and, when he could convince them to join him, his daughters. He also enjoyed sitting on his seawall, binoculars in hand, watching the boats go by.

Dick will be tremendously missed by his friends and family. Fair winds and following seas, Dick. You are in our hearts forever.

A celebration of life will be held in the fall. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Marblehead Museum, 170 Washington Street, Marblehead, MA 01945, would be gratefully appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Dick's family.