WESTFIELD – Walter J. Coach, 79, (1943 – 2022) passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Kimball Farms in Lenox. He was born in Westfield, MA to the late Walter Joseph and Esther Marion (Wertalka) Coach. Walter worked for 45 years for Westfield Electroplating and retired in 2008 as an office manager. He enjoyed a good Scotch and playing the lottery. He enjoyed a good adventure and was able to travel to see nature and wildlife including Alaska and National Parks. Given his devout faith, his trip to Italy with his sister Marion was inspiring and fulfilling spiritually. Walter loved spending time at the ocean whether in Maine, Florida or Cape Cod. He spent a lot of time at the Cape with his sisters, Marion and Dorothy. He shared his love of the Cape with his grandchildren, telling them stories and showing them his favorite places and of course playing multiple rounds of mini golf at the Red Barn as requested by the grandkids. Above all else, Walter cherished his family and friends. He was generous with his time and supported people as needed putting their needs before his own.
Walter is survived by his two children, Todd W. Coach and his wife Cindy of Great Barrington and Amy Coach-Dietz and her husband John of Waterbury Center, VT, his cherished grandchildren, Jackson Coach, Riley Coach, Addison Dietz, Emily Dietz and Joshua Dietz.
He was predeceased by his five sisters, Dorothy Vallon, Marion Stevenson, Ona Riter, Lucille Harding and Margaret Gourley.
Funeral services for Walter will be held on Thursday at 9:30 AM from the Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield followed by a Mass at 10:30AM in St. Mary’s Church, Bartlett St., Westfield. Burial will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Westfield, MA 01085. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-7 PM in the funeral home.
Donations in Walter’s memory may be directed to the Shriners Children New England or Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. www.firtionadams.com
