Walter Greatorex

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Walter Richard Greatorex, fondly known as “Beansie”

Walter “Beansie” Greatorex, 84, of Southbury, CT passed peacefully after a brief illness January 5, 2018 to join his beloved wife of over 62 years Claire (Fleming).

Born in 1933 and raised in Waterbury, CT by the late Theodore E. and Florence (Lackey) Greatorex, he graduated from Leavenworth High School. After proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict, he was honorably discharged in 1954 at the rank of Sergeant.  He earned several commendations including the Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Rifle Marksman Badge.  In 2016 Walter was awarded the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal at a ceremony with U.S. Representative Elizabeth Esty.

Upon discharge, Walter began a forty-plus year career at the Woodbury Telephone Company with most years as an installer, retiring in 1996. After marrying the love of his life in 1954, Walter and Claire lived for a short time at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and in Woodbury, then settled in Southbury after building their own home.

Walter enjoyed spending time with family and friends, kept a meticulously maintained yard, eating lobster rolls year-round and spending time with his second family at the Charcoal Chef restaurant.  He had a generous spirit, always willing to lend a hand or share a story.  He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his son Gary Greatorex and wife Lauren of Woodbury, daughter Carleen Wells and husband Rand of Lebanon, CT, three granddaughters who he loved very much, Lindsay, Malissa and Cassandra; sisters Helen Albanese of Charlestown, RI and sister-in-law Leora Greatorex of Waterbury; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, godchildren, friends, and several fur grandbabies, including his favorites Wyley and Tuttie.

He was predeceased by his siblings Theodore (Doreen), William, and Donald (Angela), sister-in law Irene Sims, brothers-in-law William Fleming and Nicholas Albanese, and nephew Theodore Greatorex, Jr.

The family would like to thank Mike Urban who helped Walter around the house, ran errands and passed the time with conversation, the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital and the Southbury Ambulance Association.

Walter’s family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 9:00am – 12:00pm, with a brief service at 12:00, all at Munson Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School St, Woodbury, CT.  Burial will follow at the Old North Cemetery, Woodbury, CT with military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Southbury Ambulance Association, The Southbury Volunteer Fire Department or the USO.

Thank a veteran for their service, it always made Walter smile. Semper Fi.

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