Wrapped in the comfort of his home, Walter F. Fawcett, Jr. shared his final hours with the wife and three children he adored with his whole heart. Laughter, tears and loving remembrances marked the time. Then, as noon struck on June 11 he passed on to God’s greater reward. He was 58.
Walter was born in Boston in the wake of World War II and his politics and patriotism always reflected the tenor of that time. He excelled at North Quincy H.S. where he met the love of his life, Mary Jane. She waited while he served in Vietnam with the United States Navy before they were married. Mary and Walter were together for over 40 years.
A proud family remains Walter’s strongest legacy.
His kids and their spouses, Christopher & Emily Fawcett, Nicole & AJ Boppel and Erin & Matthew O’Keefe, will remember Dad with hundreds of stories.
“Papa” will be missed by grandchildren Kayla, Aidan, Nicholas, and Jackson. And babies to-come will be fondly told of this wonderful man.
Both Karen Pratt, and her husband Bob, of Nashua, NH and Paul Fawcett and, his wife Pat, of Pembroke, MA were dearly loved by their big brother—as they loved him. Though technically an “in-law”, Walter was honored as a true sibling by: Pat & Joe, Rita & Dennis, John & Julie, George & Maggie, Loretta & John, Margaret & Ted, Jeanne & Danny, Chuck & Ginny and Joanne along with Barbara and Dottie (whom he joins in Heaven). The dozens of children born to this group found joy and humor in their uncle and many called him their favorite.
To those who best knew him simply as Wally, he was regarded for his generosity with time, advice, money and spirit. He was a man who would call you a friend from the moment he met you. And he moved with charm amongst social circles of his own and those of his children. Across four decades in home furnishings and advertising he left his mark with artistic expertise—and thousands of Sharpie pens. He was most recently Executive Vice President of Furniture World before retiring in 2000.
Visiting hours are Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at Douglas-Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main Street in Salem, NH. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Mary Queen of Peace Parish on Lawrence Road; burial to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, both also in Salem.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. 249 Canal Street, Manchester, NH 03101