Walter F. Petraitis ’61

Walt died Dec. 27, 2008, at Maui (Hawaii) Memorial Medical Center of coronary artery disease after a long illness and hospitalization.

Walt came to Princeton from Upper Moreland High School in Willow Grove, Pa. At Princeton, he graduated with honors in economics and was a member of NROTC. A member of Key and Seal, Walt roomed with Roland Kuchel, Pete Marcus, Ted Ramsey, Tim Scarff, and Dick Whitaker.  

Following commissioning and service in the Navy, Walt established several businesses in the San Francisco Bay area. In 1990 he moved to Tucson, where he earned an M.B.A. in entrepreneurship at the University of Arizona. In the following years, he taught accounting in Australia and in Tucson, developed incubator business projects, and engaged in consulting and management.  

His first marriage ended in divorce, and Walt married Linda Westbrook in 1999. Together they made a life and home in Kula on the island of Maui.

Walt was devoted to Princeton and will be remembered for his optimism, enthusiasm, curiosity, and delight in life. He is survived by Linda; three children, Michael, Linda, and Donna; three stepchildren; 11 grandchildren; and a sister, Marlene. The class extends its deep sympathy to them all.