Walter S. Amaral, age 87, of Westport, MA, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Charlton Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of the late Maria C. “Mary” (Couto) Amaral to whom he had been married for 66 years.
Born in São Miguel, Azores, Portugal he was the son of the late Henry and Sylvana (Silva) Amaral.
Walter proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 23 years, retiring with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. His military service was a cherished part of his life, reflecting his dedication, discipline, and deep love for his country. Following his military career, he was a Civil Engineer at Otis Airforce Base until retiring in 2010.
Walter treasured the life he and Mary built together. His Air Force career brought opportunities to explore the world as a family, living in four countries and seven states before settling in Westport for 40 years. Those years nurtured his love of travel and gave his family a lifetime of shared experiences and memories. Wherever their travels took them, being together mattered most.
Walter enjoyed collecting and restoring classic cars, woodworking, and putting his many skills to good use. He took pleasure in working with his hands and was always willing to share his time and talents with anyone who needed help. A member of the Espirito Santo Church since he was 12 years old, he will be remembered for his generous spirit, resourcefulness, and steadfast devotion to his family.
He is survived by his three children, Walter D. Amaral and his wife Debra of Elgin, AZ, Catherine A. Fitch and her husband Steven of Westport, MA, and Michelle Amaral and her husband Misael of Fall River, MA; his two cherished grandchildren, John and Rebekah; his brothers-in-law, Joseph T. Couto of New Bedford and Stephen Couto of South Carolina: and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was the brother of the late Henry S. Amaral.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River, MA. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 9:30AM at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00AM at Espirito Santo Church, Alden Street, Fall River, MA. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial with Military Honors will be held at Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport, MA. Contributions in his honor may be made to Disabled Vets.
