Obituary of John Walthall

John L. Walthall, Jr. a retired Sergeant with the Burlington Police Force, passed away at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center on Monday, September 10, 2007. He was 58 years old. John was born in Newport Rhode Island. He was raised and educated in Burlington and was a 1966 graduate of Burlington High School. He went on to further his education graduating from Middlesex Community College with an Associates Degree and then Northeastern University with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. John was a veteran of the United States Army serving his country in the Vietnam War. He entered the army in 1967 and graduated basic training and aviation electronics school in Georgia. He was assigned to 101 St. Airborne Division in Ft. Campbell KY and spent two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bonze Star and 2 Overseas Service Bars. John worked for the Bedford Police Dept. from 1974 until 1982 when he transferred to Burlington. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1984. John enjoyed hunting and saltwater fishing. He was a member of the Billerica Rod and Gun Club. He was also an avid reader. John is the beloved father of John Walthall & his wife Melissa of Burlington. He is the son of Marion (Walsh) Walthall of Burlington and the late John L. He is the brother of Deborah Gonzales of Ipswich and Deirdre Richardson of Stoneham. He is the Grandfather of Jacob and Brad Walthall. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Thursday, Sept. 13 from 4:00 – 7:30 PM with Funeral Services immediately following at the Funeral Home at 7:30 PM. Interment will be private. Memorials in John’s name may be made to Burlington DARE, 45 Center St., Burlington, MA 01803.