Walter Joseph Whittemore Jr.

Walter (Walt) J. Whittemore was born in Taunton, Mass. On February 6, 1922. He attended Monsignor Coyle High in Taunton. He participated in baseball,basketball and won the Taynes Trophy in football as Outstanding Player. In his elder years he was invited back to his high school where he was honored and inducted into their Hall of Fame. He holds the record to this day for kicking the longest punt. After graduation, he worked inReed and Barton’s Silver Co. as a sand-bobber and later joined the Navy in 1942. He went to boot camp at the Naval Training Center, San Diego, and was trained as a Hospital Corpsman. He transferred to the Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, and later to the FleetMarine Force at Camp Elliot and Camp Pendleton Marine Bases. He served with the 4th Marine Division and was sent to Maui, Hawaii. He served in the battles of Saipan,Tinian, and Iwo Jima. He received a Purple Heart and was honorably discharged from service. He later attended San Diego State College, majored in Physical Education, and minored in Social Studies. He received these credentials: General Secondary Teaching and a Master’s degree in Education. He taught one year at an Elementary school in Escondido, CA and 30 years with the Sweetwater Union School District. There he taught Am. and World History as well as other subjects. He worked evenings for the National City Recreation Center for 24 years as the Athletic Director. In 1985 he attended Harry Wendelstedt Professional Baseball Umpire School and received the “I Didn’t Quit Award.” He was a member of the S.D. Umpire Assoc., Margarita Officials Assoc., and S.D. Softball Assoc. He officiated sports for both men and women. He enjoyed traveling during his retirement, going to the gym and library and attending family celebrations. Education and History were a passion of his. He expressed his passion through writing, authoring and publishing three History Books in his later years.

"In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation be made to your charity of choice that supports veterans and their families."