John J. Walter, Jr.

Jack was born on May 4, 1946, to John “Jack” Sr. and Mary Walter in Newark, NJ, where he attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and St. Benedict’s Preparatory School. After graduating from St. Benedict’s Prep in 1964, he went on to attend Boston College, graduating from the School of Management with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management in 1969.

After graduation, Jack landed a job as a salesman, which kickstarted a 25+ year career working in the chemical industry for Essex, Peridot, General, and Dow Chemicals.

In 1971, Jack met Geraldine “Gerri” Sinsheimer at the Jersey Shore. They soon fell in love and were married November 10, 1973. Jack and Gerri moved to Clifton Park, NY in 1976, where they would have two sons Michael and Joseph. They would move to Barrington, RI in 1983, which they would call their home for the next 40 years.

Jack was a versatile athlete who played basketball, baseball, and track & field. However, it was as a football player that he truly excelled, earning numerous accolades as a three-year starter at offensive and defensive tackle at St. Benedict’s Prep. His junior year he was voted the Most Valuable Player in the annual Seton Hall/St. Benedict’s Prep game, the only interior lineman ever to win this honor. Despite all his individual honors, his proudest moment may have been a team accomplishment from the year before, when his team upset Seton Hall earning the moniker “Team of Destiny”. Jack would go on to accept a football scholarship at Boston College where he would be a valuable member of the football program. He was inducted into the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame in October 2023.

Jack became an avid fan and passionate player of golf, playing rounds at courses across the country. He was a long-time member at Fall River Country Club. More important to Jack though, was his devotion to his faith and family. A devout Catholic, a kind soul, and a true gentleman – Jack embodied the values of honesty, faith, and dedication. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus along with his son Michael. Jack was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive father. His knowledge and guidance were the foundation of his family. Despite his frequent sales trips, he somehow always made it home to support and cheer for his sons in their many athletic competitions.

Jack was predeceased by his mother, Mary, his father Jack Sr., and his sister Mary. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Gerri, his sons Michael and Joseph, daughter-in-law Alexis, and cherished grandsons Matthew, Xavier, Damian, and Caleb.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation for Jack, on June 24 from 4-7 pm, at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 3010 Ridgeway Road, Manchester, NJ 08759. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Saint John's RC Church, Chestnut Street, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, on June 25 at 10 am, with interment to follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery, 62 Cedar Grove Road, Toms River, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, gifts may be directed in Jack’s memory to his alma mater, St. Benedict's Prep, by visiting www.sbp.org/inmemory or to Special Olympics New Jersey, 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08649. Please make checks payable to Special Olympics NJ and indicate that your gift is in memory of Jack Walter.

Kind memories and condolences can be left at andersoncampbellmanchester.com