NORTH BROOKFIELD- Lawence August Walter, 72, passed away in UMASS Memorial Medical Center University Campus on March 19,2024 from complications from Diabetes.

Larry was born March 8,1952 in Orange, NJ. He lived in New Jersey until the family moved to Springfield, MA in 1956. He attended Alfred E. Glickman Elementary School, Duggan Middle School and Cathedral High School in Springfield. He then attended Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA, attaining a B.A. degree in English, Larry was always attracted to high impact activities. In college he took up rugby and played into his mid thirties. He continued his education, earning an M.S. degree in Business Administration from UMASS Amherst.

After a brief career in hospital administration, he entered Pope St. John XXIII Seminary in Weston, MA. During that time, he met the seminary’s choir director, Mary Campbell, who later became his wife. They were married on May 24,1987. Shortly after moving to Hyde Park, MA, Mary and Larry acquired the first of their many dogs, Thor; a Rottweiler which they trained into a national champion, which were in 2 categories of the Schutzhund competition. They proceeded to have a series of Rottweilers and Belgian shepherds through the remainder of Larry’s life. Professionally, Larry spent the balance of his career in accounting, primarily at Tufts University in the Research Department. He retired at age 70 in 2022.

Larry had a lifelong devotion to the Catholic Church, starting as an altar boy in 1st grade. He continued participating in the church throughout his life. He was very active in the North Brookfield parish at St. Joseph’s in many aspects of liturgy, parish activities, ministries, the Food Pantry, and various projects. He was also active in the North Brookfield Rescue Squad.

He is survived by his wife Mary Frances (Campbell) Walter and siblings Christopher, Michael, Joanne, Peter and Anita. He is predeceased by his parents August and Genevieve (Matlosz).

Larry will be missed by his family, friends, the church and local communities for his warmth, great sense of humor, and unfailing instinct for service.

The funeral for Larry with be held on Thursday, April 4,2024 with a Mass at 11:00AM in St. Josephs Church 296 N.Main St. North Brookfield. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Pillsbury Funeral Home 44 Gilbert St. North Brookfield.