Mc Donnell, Walter R.

Description

Walter R. McDonnell was horn Nov 23 1917 in Stamford, CT to Michael and Frances Ahearn McDonnell. The family moved to Rye when he was 2. He grew up in Rye and attended local schools.

In Rye his family lived at 25 Goldwin St. and were members of the Church of the Resurrection. Walter enlisted and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

The following information is based on a newspaper article published in the January 24, 1945 edition of the DAILY ITEM. Archived in the Port Chester Library.

S. Sgt Walter R. McDonnell 34 Brookdale Place, Rye, NY has been commended for outstanding work by CO of Medical Corps, attached to a Combat Engineer Group in the Philippines. He entered service April 15,1942 and served in Hawaii prior to going to Philippines.

During World War II Walter served in the US Army Medical Corps. He was a Staff Sergeant and received the Bronze Star while in the South Pacific, attached to the Combat Engineers. he was honorably discharged December 8, 1945.

Walter was self-employed for most of his life. For more than 15 years he had owned the Milton Delicatessen in Rye, then Moogs Farm restaurant in Fishkill. Later he drove for the County Coach school bus company for 10 years.

In Rye, he also had served as a volunteer firefighter for 50 years and was a parishioner of the Church of the Resurrection.

In 1970 Walter married Rebecca Brown in Rye. She died In 1974.

Walter McDonnell a lifelong Rye resident died Thursday October 6, 1988 of acute leukemia at United Hospital in Port Chester. He was 70.

At the time of his death, Walter was survived by his stepmother Eleanor McDonnell of Rye a son Barry Michael of San Bernadino CA, two sisters Edna Maloney of Rockledge FL and Bernadette Burgess of Rye and a brother John McDonnell of Fishkill. A brother Peter McDonnell and a sister Dorothy Murphy died earlier.