Walter G. Shirton “Big Wally”, 77, of Methuen, passed away on Wednesday May 26th, 2010 at his home following a long illness. Walter was born, raised and educated in Methuen and was a lifelong resident. He served with the United States Army during the Korean War and retired from the Methuen Fire Department in 1987. Walter was very active with the Lawrence Y.M.C.A. where he was a mentor to many. Through his volunteer work and dedication, he came to be known as the “grandfather” of the Y.M.C.A. He served as an ombudsman for the Merrimack Valley Elder Services. In his free time, Walter enjoyed following local sports and most enjoyed time spent with his family.
Walter is predeceased by his wife Frieda (Fisichelli) Shirton who passed away in 1998. He leaves his loving daughters, Joyce M. Shirton of N. Reading, Lisa A. Shirton of Methuen and Laurie J. Firth and her husband Allan of Salem, NH; a sister, Claire Cavanaugh of Methuen and a brother James Shirton and his wife Ellie of Methuen; 4 grandchildren, Jessica Shirton of N. Reading and Cassandra, Allan and Stephanie Firth, all of Salem, NH, and several nieces and nephews. He is also predeceased by a sister, Phyllis Sidon of Methuen.
Friends are invited to call on Monday, May 31st from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, June 1st from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen, MA . A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Methuen. Burial will follow at St. Mary Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Lawrence Y.M.C.A., 40 Lawrence Street, Lawrence, MA 01840.