Joseph J. Walter *63

Joseph Walter, retired Navy captain and former president of a Grumman Aerospace subsidiary, died of cancer March 8, 2016. He was 82.

Graduating from the Naval Academy in 1955, he became a fighter pilot and served on several aircraft carriers. In 1963, Walter earned a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Princeton.

He was in charge of the Office of Government Plant Representative at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis. After, he was responsible for the design, flight test, and fleet introduction of the F-14 Tomcat. He then became an assistant chief of staff at the Atlantic Fleet Command in Norfolk, Va.

His final tour was as commanding officer of the Naval Aviation Depot in Pensacola, Fla. His program to assist severely handicapped and mentally impaired persons through meaningful employment was highly honored. Walter retired in 1982 and received the Legion of Merit.

Walter then became president and chief operating officer of Grumman Aerospace’s St. Augustine Corp. in Florida. His small division grew to 1,500 employees, repairing and modifying complex military and industrial aircraft. He also served on the boards of three Florida universities and one bank.

Walter is survived by Genie, his wife of 60 years; seven children; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.