Walter P. Rimkunas Sr. age 92, of Stratford, beloved husband of Rita L. (Barnes) Rimkunas, passed away on September 21, 2022, at St. Vincent's Hospital, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Walter was born in Bridgeport on July 12th, 1930, and greatly enjoyed growing up on the City's Eastside, surrounded by his family and relations. He graduated from Harding High School in 1948 and went on to attend Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, where he studied to become an engineer.  After college, Walter began working at the Brunner-Ritter Company, where he met the love of his life, his future wife Rita. He and Rita celebrated 69 years of marriage before she passed away after battling a long illness. Shortly after their wedding, Walter was called upon to serve in the U.S. Army as a radio operator during the Korean War. He proudly served his country with strength and bravery. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 2 bronze stars for his valiant service.  After returning home from Korea, Walter began his career as an engineer at A.V.C.O. Lycoming in Stratford, from which he retired after 39 years of service.

Walter's steadfast commitment to his work was only exceeded by his dedication to his family. Together, Walter and Rita raised five children, and his love and devotion to them was an unconditional and ever-present comfort throughout the years. He was their rock. In addition to caring for his family, Walter also cared for his town and its people. He was a coach for the Lordship Bombers Pop Warner Football Team for many years alongside Rita, who helped coach the girls cheerleading. Walter and Rita were also enthusiastic supporters of the Stratford High School Football Team and Marching Band, attending every home game since the 1970s, when their children began attending the school. However, Walter's civic involvement was not limited to standing on the sidelines or being a spectator. He was actively involved in many initiatives and conservation efforts within Stratford and served in various roles over the years. However, he was most proud of his work with Protect Your Environment, a group that sought to preserve the Town's marshes and quality of life for its residents. Additionally, he and Rita attended and spoke at weekly town council and board meetings for many years and were recognized for their dedication with a "Good Citizens Award" presented by the Stratford Town Council and the mayor.

Though their civic life kept them on the go around town, Rita and Walter also enjoyed traveling abroad together. They took many trips to destinations including Ireland, Hawaii, Rome, and Austria after Walter retired, but being at home with their family was always their favorite. After the passing of his cherished wife Rita, Walter was content to stay home with his family around him and watch a Mets or Giants game on television. He was an avid fan of both teams, but his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were his biggest fans, and they will miss him deeply.

Walter's survivors include his children: Walter P. Rimkunas Jr. and his wife Patricia of Seymour, Diane Bollinger and her husband Ron of Pennsylvania, Lynn Owen and her husband Chip of New York, Paul Rimkunas and his partner Gail Fesh of Danbury, and Kyle Rimkunas and his wife Danielle of Stratford, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A private service will be held for Walter's immediate family at the Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford.

Friends are invited to join his family for a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace in Lordship on Monday, September 26th at 11:00 a.m. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Monroe.