Walter 'Skip' Hall, 55, Formerly of Wilmington

Obituary from Nichols Funeral Home

Walter D. Hall Jr., “Skip”, age 55, of Dorchester, formerly of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Sept. 20, 2015, at the Harborview Center for Nursing in Cohasset, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Walter was born on July 26, 1960, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island; he was the cherished son of Walter D. Sr. and Karen O. (Andersen) Hall. At the age of 5, Walter moved with his family from Rhode Island to Wilmington where he was raised in a very loving home. Walter played several sports as a youngster and attended Wilmington Public Schools until his high school years when he went to Shawsheen Tech in Billerica. Walter was very bright and learned several trades while attending Shawsheen Tech specializing in electrical; he graduated in 1979.

On January 4, 1980, Walter enlisted in the United States Army and took several courses during his enlistment. Walter started his career as an Army Ranger but soon became a member of the 82nd Airborne and served as a paratrooper. Walter was very proud to serve the country and he flourished in his position. Walter earned several commendations including the Expert Badge and Hand Grenade, Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal and the Parachute Badge. Walter served in Grenada and he along with his company graced the cover of Time Magazine for their efforts during this conflict. Walter was honorably discharged from active duty on December 16, 1983 but went on to serve with the Army Reserves for the next six years where he marched in countless parades and was part of the Military Honors Funeral Team. Walter was also a member of the 82nd Airborne Gavin Chapter in Natick for many years.

Walter was a hard worker and a talented carpenter; he worked for Best Residential Services in Sharon, MA for many years. Walter was not only talented but dependable and hardworking until his illness forced his retirement.

Walter married his “sweetheart” Maryann Steele on October 8, 2006; the couple made their home in Dorchester where they had many friends. Family was very important to Walter; he was not only a devoted husband, but a wonderful son, brother, uncle, and brother-in-law as well. Walter enjoyed going to family celebrations where he could spend time with those he loved dearly.

In his spare time Walter enjoyed fishing, all kinds of music, nature, animals, watching the History and Discovery channels, and of course following his “Boston” sports teams. Walter attended countless Patriots and Bruins games as well as watched them on the television with his family and friends.

Walter “Skip” will be remembered as a kind and caring man, he loved his family, friends, and country unconditionally. He was very Patriotic and proud to have served with the Army. Walter will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Skip was the beloved husband of Maryann (Steele) Hall, cherished son of Walter D. Sr. and Karen O. (Andersen) Hall of Wilmington, dear brother of Kevin Hall & his wife Suzanne and Kristen Hall all of Wilmington. Step-father of the late Robert Steele, step-grandfather of Lexee Steele. Loving Uncle of Olivia & Kassie Hall, Ryan Smolinski, Daniel, Emily, and Michael Steele, brother-in-law of Kathleen & John Smolinski of Mansfield, Carol & Joseph Ledoux of Maine, Michael Steele & Maria Marcotte, Daniel Steele & his wife Sharon all of Dorchester and the late Robert Steele, Skip is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Saturday, Sept. 26 for Visitation from 10 a.m. to Noon, immediately followed by a Funeral Service at Noon.

Interment with Military Honors will follow in the Veterans Section of Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers donations in Walter’s memory may be made to the Local Heroes Inc., P. O. Box 536, Wilmington, MA 01887.