Walter Day Locke, consummate showman and master of ceremonies, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026 at age 77.
Born on December 20, 1948 to Phil and Carroll Locke, Walter grew up in Dayton, OH, and Riverside, CA before making all kinds of trouble in his pursuit of a bachelor’s degree at Harvard College.
Walti is survived by his daughter Susanna (Xana) Locke, son-in-law Matthew Remeika, grandchildren Grace and Emmett Remeika, former wife and always friend Elizabeth Locke, step-children Rebecca Horne (Michael Molla) and Benjamin Horne, sisters Meg Newhouse (Joseph) and Alice Carey, nephews Eric and David Newhouse and countless cousins and great nieces and nephews. Walzo’s magnetic personality also earned him many dear friends and a wonderful circle of found family, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Wally will be remembered by his many admirers for his generosity of spirit, his warm boisterous laugh, and the mischievous sparkle in his blue eyes. Arguably always on stage, Uncle Balti performed a wide array of colorful characters with local theatre organizations, including The Christmas Revels, Revels Repertory Company, and Actors’ Shakespeare Project.
A proud, self-proclaimed political radical, Walter is the filmmaker and producer of feature-length documentary, Avenue of the Americas, and was a sign-holding member of Arlington United for Justice with Peace. He was deeply connected to his long-time home of Arlington, MA, and worked for many years as the Community Outreach Coordinator at Arlington Community Media, Inc. (ACMI).
Walter believed that there is nothing more rewarding in this life than loving and being loved. Mission accomplished.
For those who wish, donations can be made to Revels, Inc. (https://revels.org/) or Arlington Community Media, Inc. (https://acmi.tv/). A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at The Burren (247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville, MA 02144) on Sunday, November 29 from 1pm-4pm.