Walter R. Hatfield ’39

Walt died Sept. 23, 2006, in Lexington, Mass., his home for 56 years.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, and found time to sing in the University Choir and the Glee Club all four years. This led him to consider a career in opera, but he decided instead to accept a position in chemical research at Lever Bros. in Cambridge, Mass.

In 1942 he was called to the Navy under the command of Adm. John L. Hall Jr., who personally requested Walt because of his engineering expertise as a radio materials officer. As a lieutenant Walt served in the European and Pacific theaters and participated in four amphibious invasions, including D-Day at Normandy and Okinawa.

After working for 13 years at Lever Bros. until the company moved to New York, Walt developed his own business as a manufacturer’s representative in electronics and instrumentation. He was on the board of directors of a small retirement home, and for more than 35 years served the Hancock United Church of Christ in many capacities, among them as deacon, choir member, and Sunday school teacher.

Walt and his wife, Louise, who died in 1994, had a son, Walter Jr.; a daughter, Linda; and four grandchildren. We offer them our sincere sympathy.