Worcester/Auburn - Walter F. Josti, 94, died peacefully Monday, March, 16th at UMass Medical Center in Worcester after a short illness. He is now reunited with his wife of 63 years, Jeanette C. (Miller), who was the love of his life and died in 2008.
He is survived by his beloved children: Mary E. Caramiello and her husband, Joseph, of Auburn, Timothy J. Josti Sr. and his wife, Jean, of Spencer, Daniel F. Josti and his wife, Linda, of Standish, ME and a daughter-in-law, Linda Josti, of Shrewsbury. He was predeceased by a son, Walter J. Josti. He also leaves his six grandchildren whom he loved deeply and spoke of with great pride: Michael J. Josti and his wife, Christine, of Norwell, Timothy J. Josti, Jr. and his wife, Tamara, of East Brookfield, Robert J. Josti and his wife, S. Paige, of Rutland, Heather A. Harris and her husband, Jermaine, of Chula Vista, CA, and Brandon J. and Justin M. Caramiello of Auburn. He also leaves nine great-grandchildren who put a sparkle in his eyes and laughter and joy in his life: Troy, Hope, Isaac, Cody, Eliot Rose, Logan, Tyler, Kristen, and Emily. He leaves a brother-in-law, John Miller and his wife, Barbara, of Worcester, and a nephew, John J. Josti and his wife, Carolyn, of Dudley. His brother, John A. Josti, predeceased him.
Walter was born May 23, 1920 in Worcester, the son of John and Mary (McGurn) Josti and attended Worcester Public Schools, graduating from Commerce High School. He continued his education, graduated from Worcester State College, later studying at Clark University. He worked for many years as a mechanical engineer at John Bath Company in Worcester and later retired from Norton Company in Worcester as a member of the research and development department.
During World War II, Walter proudly served our country in the “Flying Tigers” Squadron of the Army-Air Force when it was first formed. He took part in the China and the China Offensive campaigns working as an ordinance specialist. Walter was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon and American Theater Campaign Ribbon.
Walter had many talents and enjoyed a wide range of activities and hobbies. Some of these were photography, both taking and developing pictures, gardening with Jeanette in their backyard, woodworking, creating personalized gifts for his family, model train building and bringing laughter and smiles to many people through his story-telling and magic act as the “Happy Hobo”. His two biggest loves, beside his wife and family were camping and Scouting, which went hand in hand. He spent much of his time camping with his family, visiting numerous state parks throughout New England and Pennsylvania, hiking, fishing and cooking over the open fire. From the time he was a child he was involved in the Boy Scouts of America. He worked at different summer camps, but especially loved spending time at Treasure Valley Scout Reservation. Walter held a number of Scout leadership positions that ranged from Cubmaster to Commissioner. When Walter celebrated his 50th Scouting anniversary he was awarded the Key to the city of Worcester. He received many Scouting recognitions, most dear to him were the St. George Adult Catholic Award and the Silver Beaver Award, both of which are presented for outstanding service to the Scouting youth. At the time of his death, with over 80 years as a registered scout, Walter was the oldest scout in the Mohegan Council.
Walter was very proud to have been a member of The Flying Tigers Association and American Legion Posts in both Spencer and Worcester. He also served as an officer of a local camping association. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow Pachachaug Lodge 525, of which he was part of the dance team. Walter was a parishioner at St. Bernard’s Church in Worcester for many years.
After a life of giving, Walter continued to help others by being an organ donor.
The family is grateful to the staff of the Lodge, Emeritus at Eddy Pond for their care and attention to his needs. They would also like to thank the staff of the Cardiac Care Unit and 6th floor at UMASS Medical Center’s University Campus for their care and support in making his final days comfortable.
Walter’s funeral will be Friday, March 20 from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester with Mass at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer. Burial with Military Honors will be in Worcester County Memorial Park , Paxton. Visiting hours will be Thursday March 19th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mohegan Council Campership Fund, 19 Harvard St., Worcester, MA 01609. For direction or on-line guest book please visit: www.callahanfay.com