Obituary of Walter C. Adair

Walter C. Adair Sr. March 22, 1920 - February 4, 2012 Passed suddenly on February 4, 2012 at Virtua Hospital Voorhees. Walter was proceeded in death by his wife Charlotte (nee: Crouch) in 1995. He is survived by seven children Walter Jr. (Joann), Charlotte Keegan (John), Wayne (Carol), William (Stephanie), Cindy Behnke (Bill), Carolyn Sammis (Alan), and Warren (Amanda). Six grandchildren: Melissa and Christine Adair, Charlotte and Marci Clark, Laura and Dana Behnke, Jennifer and Kellie Sammis, and two great grandchildren: Skylar and Robert Amoroso. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Walter spent his formidable years there attending South Philadelphia High School, dances at his neighborhood church, and delivering telegrams for Western Union as a boy until joining the United States Navy. He enjoyed attending baseball games at the Baker Bowl, Shibe Park / Connie Mack Stadium and playing sand lot ball on Oregon Avenue. Until his departure he remained a steadfast Phillies fan. He shared fond memories of growing up in South Philadelphia including brushes with personalities such as Philadelphia Athletics Jimmie Foxx, Louis Armstrong, and attending high school with singer Mario Lanza and coaching Wilt Chamberlain in track for the Artisans. Upon entering the United States Navy, Walter arrived at Pearl Harbor just after the Japanese attack starting World War Two. He rose to the rank of Leading Chief Petty Officer (Aviation Machinist Mate) aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Coral Sea, later to be named The USS Anzio (CVE 57). Walter was assigned to a Torpedo Bomber squadron and served in many pivotal battles in the South Pacific Theater such as the Gilbert, Marshall, and Solomon Islands, the Marianas "turkey shoot", Leyte Gulf, Kwajalein, and the Philippine sea. After returning from the South Pacific Walter was assigned to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida where he assisted with flight school instruction and was then transferred to his final duty station Naval Air Station Willow Grove in Pennsylvania. After discharge from the Navy, Walter worked for Petro oil and The Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania starting as a line-man and becoming a technician working in Center City Philadelphia. Walter retired from Bell in 1985 after Thirty-six years of faithful service. Walter and Charlotte raised seven children and provided a happy healthy home affording every opportunity for the children to experience all life had to offer. Many years were spent camping and traveling around the country as well as the participation in sports, boy scouts, and girl scouts. Walter enjoyed square dancing with his wife and had a variety of hobbies to include, golf, tying macramé hammocks, fishing and boating. He was also active with The VFW ANMAC Post 6253 (past post commander) in Berlin and the American Legion George Walton Post 371 in Gibbsboro. In the most recent years, Walter has enjoyed spending time with his family for parties, dinners, and making sure everyone was well and religiously playing cards with friends every Friday night. Walter was always more concerned with the well being and health of others more than his own and was always quick with a smile or a witty joke. It has been said by many that together Walter and Charlotte touched many lives and brought joy to many in the community and afar; it is for this that he will always be remembered as a father, friend, mentor, leader, and all around great guy who will be missed by many. However we must take comfort in knowing that he is joining the loved ones and good friends that have gone before. Viewing will be held at Knight Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 7:00pm till 9:00pm and again on Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 9:30am till 10:30am. Funeral Service will begin at 10:30am. The Interment will be at William Doyle Veterns Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Walter's name may be made to the Berlin EMS, PO Box 406, Berlin, NJ 08009 or Berlin VFW Post 6253 Building Fund, 34 Chestnut Ave, Berlin, NJ 08009.