William Walser Janeway ’39

Wals died Feb. 8, 2011, in Guilford, Conn., after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He had just celebrated his 94th birthday.  

Wals entered Princeton from South Kent School. After two years with us, he went to work in the advertising department of the Newark Evening News. In 1942 he joined the Army Air Force, went to aviation school, and became a pilot. He was stationed in Foggia, Italy, from which he flew 25 missions. He received the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

In 1946, Wals re-enlisted in the Air Force and served 19 more years in Illinois, England, South Dakota, and Texas. In 1965 he joined Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut.  

In his retirement, Wals and his wife, Ann, made their home in Guilford, where he was active in the First Congregational Church. He was especially proud of the three AFS students his family hosted.

Wals is survived by Ann, his wife of 68 years; a brother; three sons; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister and his son, Frederick. To them and to his many nieces and nephews from coast to coast, the class expresses its pride and extends its sympathy.