Walter F. Eells, 91, of West Hartford, CT, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. Walter fought a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. His strength and determination did not let his diagnosis slow him down and he continued following his passions to his last days.

Born on September 4, 1932 in Walton, NY, Walter moved to Croton Falls, NY in his early years before moving back to Walton. He graduated from Walton High School in 1949 and was a proud member of the 1948 undefeated football team as a co-captain and quarterback. However, Walter’s most cherished memory of high school was meeting the love of his life, Carol. They married on December 20, 1952. After high school Walter attended and graduated from Cornell University in 1954 as a member of the ROTC. After graduating, he served in the army of occupation in Germany from 1954-1956 as an officer in the 2nd Armored Division Artillery. Following the conclusion of his military service Walter began a 32 year career for United Technologies Corporation in personnel and human resources positions at several divisions, subsidiaries, and corporate offices, including Vice President of Human Resources. In 1986 he was named Vice President - Ombudsman for United Technologies Corporation, the first of its kind for the corporation.

After relocating their family several times during the early years of their marriage, Walter and Carol created their home in West Hartford, CT in 1968, in a house where they lived for over 55 years. While living in West Hartford, Walter was a member of the First Baptist Church of West Hartford. He served on the board of several civic organizations over the years and supported numerous charities, especially in education, the arts, and nature preservation. He was also very accomplished in his personal interests holding a private pilot’s license and a scuba diver certification. Walter enjoyed a long retirement being known in his later years for taking up additional hobbies such as painting, golf, travel, and long walks with Carol. Many of Walter’s most cherished memories were the times he spent with his loving and adoring family. Walter’s strong sense of family left him with a plethora of photo albums bursting at the seams depicting fond times spent together including vacations to Maui, Vermont, and the Poconos, teaching his children and grandchildren to golf, and countless Christmases spent with his entire family in the home he and Carol created together in loving adoration. Walter had a large extended family. He is predeceased by his father H. Benjamin Eells, mother Elizabeth (Robusto) Eells, and brother C. Benjamin Eells. He is survived by his loving wife Carol, whom he fondly referred to as his angel, and their six children: Walter Jr. and Lisa Eells of Avon, CT, Karen Stroly and her partner Jim Mason of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Susan Vasques of Pelham, NH, Nancy and Edward Charest of Peabody, MA, Linda and Dr. Christian Gilbert of Calabash, NC, and Laura and Lawrence Hodgkins of Bar Harbor, ME. Walter was also the very proud “Poppy” to 13 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and was delighted to learn of three great-grandchildren due to arrive in spring of 2024.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 1:30 pm at the First Baptist Church of West Hartford with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made in Walter’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation at https://tinyurl.com/ykl62prs or 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY, 10018. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com