The Rev. Paul Jeffrey Walther, 74, of Brielle, passed away peacefully at home on November 20, 2023 after a brief illness. He was born on June 6, 1949 to the late Maj. Edmund P. Walther and Estelle “Caryl” Dolan. A native of Wallkill, New York, Rev. Walther graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa in 1971 with a degree in history. He went on to receive a Master of Divinity with honors from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 1974.

Rev. Walther served as a minister for the Reformed Church in America (RCA) at several parishes throughout his career. His first calling was with the Peapack Reformed Church in Gladstone, New Jersey. During this time, he was also elected Stated Clerk for the Classis of Raritan, a position he held for many years. In 1991, Rev. Walther and his family relocated to the Virgin Islands when he became the founding pastor of the New Church Development project in St. Croix. He was an active member of the island’s local Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. They returned to the mainland in 1996 and settled in Brielle, where they have called home for 27 years. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Manasquan. Until his retirement, Rev. Walther served congregations throughout New Jersey, including The Church in Brielle, United Reformed Church in Somerville and Reformed Church of Freehold.

Rev. Walther is survived by his wife of 46 years, Deborah, and his daughter Molly (Thomas) Stewart of London, England. In addition, he is survived by his siblings: Peter Walther of Rome, New York; Ann Sopchak of York, Pennsylvania; and Mark (Kim) Walther of Gambrills, Maryland.

A private family service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Reformed Church, 6125 Estate La Reine, Kingshill, Virgin Islands, 00850.

Arrangements were entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, New Jersey, 08736.