Walter A Tobin

Walter Aloysius Tobin was born on April 20, 1946 in Boston, Massachusetts to Doris and Walter Tobin, senior. Wally, as he was better known, had four siblings. One brother, Thomas, and three sisters named Rita, Marie, and Theresa. During his teenage years, his family moved from Boston to St Petersburg, Florida where he attend St Petersburg Catholic (then known as Bishop Barry) where he met his wife, Sheila Tobin. They were married nearly 54 years ago in July 1966 shortly after Wally enlisted in the United States Air Force. While serving in the Air Force, Wally was a hydraulic systems specialist for B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando, Florida. During the Vietnam War Wally was deployed overseas to Andersen AB in Guam and Kadena AB in Okinawa, Japan in direct support of Operation Rolling Thunder. His efforts ensured the reliable operation of Strategic Air Command’s premier bomber and air refueling capabilities until the end of his Enlistment in 1970. After his four years serving his country on active duty, Wally left the Air Force and began his civilian career by enrolling at St Petersburg College.

After two years of study in Computer Science at St. Petersburg College, Wally began his life long career as a computer engineer working for various companies including Fiserve, GTE, Verizon, and finally retiring from Syniverse Technologies in Tampa, Florida. He has his name on dozens of patents for technologies integral to the operation of telecommunication networks across the United States and the globe.

Wally led a distinguished professional career but his talents were not limited to work. His favorite passion was found on the open water while sailing. With his wife, Sheila, they made sailing an integral part of their life together. Wally and Sheila sailed all around the Florida Gulf Coast and even made several voyages from St. Petersburg to Key West.

In addition to Sailing, Wally was highly involved in volunteer work throughout his life. He was a Scout Leader in the Boy Scouts of America offering his time and leadership skills to BSA Troop 431 based out of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Seminole where two of his sons were Boy Scouts. Further, he was a longtime leader and founding member of a Secular Servants of Mary group in Kissimmee, Florida. Even after retirement, Wally made time to volunteer with Sheila at the St Vincent De Paul Society at their home Parish of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pinellas Park providing life changing services for people in need throughout the local community.

Wally will be remember by his family and friends for his wise advice, deep kindness, and ever ready selflessness that made an enormous difference in many people’s lives wherever he went.

Wally is survived by his wife Sheila and their three sons; Brian, the oldest, followed by Patrick and John as well as his older sister, Marie and younger sister Theresa.

Due to the guidelines pertaining to Covid19, funeral services will be private for family.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.