It is with sadness and gratitude that we announce the passing of our father, Walter Wiggins, Jr., who passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, in Mystic, at the age of 90 following a short illness related to end stage kidney disease.
Walter was born on August 30, 1935, in Rome, Georgia. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, humility, and treating others with dignity. Those qualities shaped the peaceful and compassionate life for which he would later become known.
Walter proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957 during the Korean War era and continued his reserve service until February 1962. Though he rarely sought recognition for his service, he carried the discipline and steadiness of military life with him throughout his years.
After his service, Walter built a long and respected career at General Dynamics Electric Boat, where he worked for more than 30 years, first as a professional welder and later as a welding instructor, where he mentored many younger welders with patience and quiet encouragement. When asked whether he had ever taught difficult students, Walter responded with characteristic kindness and honesty: “No difficult students — some just could not learn to weld.”
Walter was known by many names throughout his life — “Walt” to coworkers and “Sonny” to family members from earlier years — but no matter what he was called, people remembered the same things about him: his radiant smile, calm spirit, openness to others, and genuine compassion. He was easy-going, quiet, and accepting, the kind of man who could strike up a conversation with anyone at a golf course, grocery store, or neighborhood bar and make them feel valued.
Walter enjoyed gardening and watching golf on TV. He was a lifelong tinkerer and do-it-yourselfer, as evidenced by the many projects he completed in his home in Mystic. He also relished spending quiet days with family over breakfast and watching sports at favorite watering hole while enjoying a Budweiser. He was a familiar face at Renegade and later at the Mystic YMCA, where he exercised five days a week before dawn well into his 90th year.
Golf was a specific passion for Walter. He played with EB Athletic Club across the country and was inducted into the EB Athletic Club Hall of Fame in 1999. He continued to win tournaments after his retirement. His was a regular presence at the Shennecossett Golf Course in Groton.
As a father, Walter was remembered as being strict but kind and fair. His children recall that he never raised his voice, and while he believed in accountability and discipline, every lesson was rooted in love. He taught that mistakes were opportunities to grow and that compassion mattered more than judgment.
Walter was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annie Beatrice Faulk Wiggins, sisters Carrie Richardon, Betty Shebazz and a brother Donald Wiggins. He is survived by his children, Xavier R. Wiggins and Lori A. Wiggins; his stepdaughter Letha Zook; his sister, Gene Holt; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by his kindness and compassion.
Walter will be remembered for his steady presence, hardworking hands, radiant smile, and deep love for family. He found joy in the simple things — early mornings at the gym, tending to his tomatoes and cucumbers, breakfasts shared with loved ones, afternoons watching golf or football, and ending the day surrounded by family and friends. He lived with humility, strength, and quiet kindness, always willing to teach, help, or lend a hand.
Though deeply missed, his family finds comfort in the memories he created, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave so freely. May we honor him by living with the same generosity, resilience, and appreciation for life’s simple blessings.
Walter's family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, May 16, from 12 to 3pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. At 3:00 a funeral service will be held at the funeral home followed by full military honors. A reception and gathering at his favorite place, Angies, 25 Roosevelt Avenue, Mystic, will follow at 4:00pm.
He will be laid to rest beside his loving wife, Annie in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic on Monday, May 18, at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Mystic YMCA, 1 Harry Austin Drive, Mystic CT 06355.