Walter Joseph Smith, Jr.

Walter Joseph Smith, Jr., known affectionately as “Wally,” passed away peacefully on 25 May, 2021. He is survived by his wife of fifty one years, the former Miss Sheila Ann O’Connor; and their children, Wally (Megan), Elizabeth (Grant) Chadwick, Hart (Alexandra) , and Kiley (Matt) Thompson. In addition, Wally is survived by his beloved sister, Beatrice Dinger; loving first cousin, Barbara Stiles; as well as his grandchildren, Colin, Fiona, Nora, Connor, Zandy, and George. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Sr, D.D.S, and Beatrice (née Hawthorne); and his brothers, Donald and Kevin. A native of the Bronx, NY, Wally graduated from Fordham Preparatory School and, in 1963, Fordham University. He was then commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps, with whom he proudly served in Vietnam as a captain and a rifle company commander. Following their marriage, Wally and Sheila relocated to her hometown of St. Paul, MN. There they raised their children in Highland Park, with Wally serving as a faithful and jubilant coach for a number of their respective sports teams. He had a passion for life and loved his family, the Marine Corps, laughing with his friends, storytelling, Highland Little League, and Minnesota sports. Wally will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be held Monday, 7 June from 4-7 PM at O’Halloran and Murphy, 575 S. Snelling Ave, in St. Paul. On Tuesday, 8 June there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30AM at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1079 Summit Ave, St. Paul. Interment following mass at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 11:30AM.

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