Walter H. "Walt" Lewis passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 29th, surrounded by his loving family and dog. He was 84 years old.
Born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, Walter was the beloved son of the late Walter E. and Lucy (Tucker) Lewis. He attended local schools and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Salem State College in 1964, followed by a Master’s in Education from Northeastern University. After a brief teaching stint in Tewksbury, Walter made Winchester Public Schools his professional home, teaching middle school math for 32 years. In 2001, he retired early to care full-time for his wife, Linda (Bradbury), during her battle with cancer. Walter stood by her side through it all, taking her on trips whenever she felt well enough. After Linda’s passing in 2003, Walter returned to McCall Middle School as a substitute teacher and occasional tutor. Teaching was more than a career for him—it was his calling. Over his lifetime, Walter devoted more than 50 years to the Winchester school community, touching countless students and colleagues.
Walter met Linda while they were both students at Salem State. He often shared the story of how he sold his small outboard motorboat to buy a car just so he could drive to her hometown of Stoneham to visit her. After graduating in 1964, they married and settled in Reading, where they raised their two children, who always felt deeply loved and at the center of their parents’ world. The family enjoyed spending time together, especially camping trips and summers in South Waterford, Maine. There, Walter was fondly remembered for his brimmed hats and the walking cane he carved from a tree branch.
Walter was adored by his four grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Biggie”—a nickname that fit both his 6'3" stature and big-hearted nature. He was known for stroller walks to the parks, his playful growls as a “big scary bear,” and for derailing mealtimes by handing out “Biggie snacks” at all hours of the day.
Walter was much more than a middle school math teacher and devoted family man—he genuinely loved people and would go out of his way to help anyone. A natural dog magnet, he rarely went through life without a furry companion - Fudgie, Rockie, Cuddles, Cinder, and Kitty, just to name a few. Whenever possible, he enjoyed taking his dogs to the park or on long walks, especially around Horn Pond. Later in life, he took up golfing regularly with fellow retirees. Throughout his life, Walter was also known for reliably sharing the latest updates on the weather and gas prices.
After Linda’s passing, Walter found companionship with Stephanie Rogers. Together, they shared over 20 happy years filled with dinner parties, travel, political discussions, and caring for their beloved dogs—Bonnie, Bella, Lulu, Maisy, Bailey, and Lila. Stephanie graciously welcomed Walter’s family into her beautiful home, hosting many memorable gatherings.
Walter is survived by his children: Tawnya and her husband, David Clemens, of Cambridge, and Brad Lewis and his wife, Michelle, of Billerica. He was the devoted grandfather of Andrew and Robert Clemens, and Kaylie and Rose Lewis. He is also survived by his dear partner, Stephanie Rogers, of Winchester, and his cherished sister, Brenda Lewis, of Salem. Walter was a beloved uncle to his nieces Lynne Maas, Susan Bradbury, and Karen Bradbury, as well as to many grandnephews and grandnieces. He also leaves behind his adored dogs, Bailey and Lila.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington Street, Winchester, on Thursday, August 14th, from 4 to 7 p.m. Relatives, friends and colleagues are warmly invited to attend. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter’s memory may be made to the Winchester Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 174, Winchester, MA 01890, or online at https://www.winchestersf.org/support in honor of Walter H. Lewis. His family is currently working to establish an endowed fund in his name.