Obituary of Walter McNamara

Walter Joseph McNamara, Jr. a General Electric retiree, Veteran, and devoted family man, passed away on Monday morning, October 17, 2016. He was 92 years old. Walter was born in Roxbury, the son of the late Walter and Helene McNamara. He grew up in Roxbury and was a graduate of the Boston Trade School with an emphasis in welding. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1943, at the age of 19 to fight in WW II. His high school training led him to become a Shipfitter Third Class. He served on the U.S.S. Baham (a troop, materials, and transport ship) and the U.S.S. Luzon (a repair ship and tender). He served until the end of the war and received the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Medal. He was very proud of his naval service and being a WW II Veteran. He returned home and went to work at General Electric as a welder. He worked on aircraft engines at their manufacturing plants in Everett, Medford, and Lynn. Walter was big in stature with an outgoing personality and unique sense of humor. He could talk about almost anything from sports, economics, politics and even religion. Many times he would purposely take the complete opposite position on a topic just to liven up a conversation. He thrived on getting his counterpart all excited or flustered while discussing a contentious topic. Over the years he had resided in Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, and West Roxbury. No matter where he lived, he became a fixture in the neighborhood. He had favorite hang outs where he would spend time with fellow retirees. At Anna’s Coffee shop, Walter and his friends were referred to as the “Board of Directors.” He was a regular at the Corrib Pub and Restaurant as well. It was like there were no other eating establishments in Boston. It was just Walter’s way. Once you’re his friend, you are always a friend. Walter showed a very different side of himself to his family, especially the grandchildren (or using his loving term, “The Gang”). Walter played a vital role in all their upbringings and created lasting family memories that they will carry with them forever. They discovered the secret that the man most people knew for his big stature and gruff mannerism, was really just a “Teddy Bear”. Cushing, Maine was a very special place for Walter and his family. He vacationed there for the first time in 1952. In 1961 he purchased one of six cottages on the water, which became known as the compound. He spent every summer there and everyone was welcome to visit. He and his wife, Ethelyne, hosted what became their own summer camp for their 5 grandchildren. They were thrilled to spend the entire summer at the compound with their grandparents. They were so lucky to grow up on the water with their cousins becoming their best friends. Over the years, Walter had many boats including a Cape Dory sail boat “Three’s Company” and powerboats named “The Green Hornet” “Chapter 2”, “The Sea Turtle” and “The Ghost”. His sisters-in-law and brothers-in-lawand their families, were part of the compound and he delighted in having all of his family together, sharing special times, and simply loving each other. Walter was the loving husband of 52 years of the late Ethelyne (Gordon) McNamara. He was the loving father of Gail Curtin & her husband Brian, Walter McNamara, III & his wife Joanne all of Burlington. He was the brother of the late Paul McNamara of Medford and the late William McNamara & his late wife Mary. He was the proud grandfather of Brian Curtin & his wife Katie of Reading, Britney Curtin of NY, NY, Christopher McNamara of Medford, Daniel McNamara of Medford and the late Brendan Curtin. He was the brother-in-law of “Twinnie” Welch of West Roxbury & her late husband Dave, Faith Caruso of Burlington & her late husband Ric and the late Evelyn & Charles Gordon. He was also the loving and adored uncle to many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt., 128, Woburn side) on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 4-7:30pm. Graveside Services with Military Honors will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, 302 Elm St., Everett on Thursday at 11:00am. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers memorials in Walter’s name may be made to the Brendan Curtin Scholarship Foundation, C/O Treasurer Office, 29 Center St., Burlington, MA 01803.