Walter Ralph Gelles

GELLES--Walter Ralph, passed away at the age of 87 on Saturday, July 4 at Sarah Neuman Nursing Home in Mamaroneck. Devoted husband of the late Carol Schrier Gelles, loving father of Robert and Richard (Susan), nurturing grandfather of Andrew, Danny, Kevin and Thomas, loyal brother of the late Henry (Carol), Edith (Michael) and David (Pam), loving brother-in-law of the late Suzanne Schrier Heimerdinger and John (Marilyn) Heimerdinger, and caring uncle of 12 nephews and nieces. Walter treasured his wife, children and grandchildren. He was not just Carol's husband but also her best friend. During a magical 62 year marriage, he and Carol forged a wonderful partnership that deepened as the years went by. Walter celebrated all of his sons' accomplishments and was always available to provide them with advice and comfort. He got tremendous joy from the time that he spent with his grandchildren. Each grandchild was very precious to him. Walter also valued the friendships that he developed with other people across the many decades of his life. He was always a good and sympathetic listener to his friends, and he took the time to get to know each of them. He had a long and successful career as a real estate attorney. He was quite adept at analyzing legal issues, and he was a persuasive advocate for his clients. He was also a delightful colleague to the other members of his law firm. Walter had a keen interest in politics. He always kept himself well-informed by reading newspapers, magazines and books, and by watching political programs on TV, and he never tired of discussing politics with family and friends. He also enjoyed reading books on history. The history of Israel interested him in particular. Through the many books that he acquired on the subject, he mastered all of the details of the creation of Israel as well as its history since being founded. He got much pleasure from playing bridge, almost always with Carol as his partner. Walter loved classical music. Starting as a teenager, he began to purchase recordings of various symphonies and concertos, and he also developed an interest in opera. Among his favorite composers were Tchaikovsky, Beethoven and Verdi. Walter was an avid golfer and a loyal fan of the New York Jets football team. He also did a lot of traveling. There were two extensive summer trips to the western U.S. and Canada with Carol and the two boys, and many later trips with Carol to Europe. Walter and his family also spent a number of summer and winter vacations in Lake Placid in the Adirondacks. Lake Placid was where Walter had grown up and where he had met Carol. Those of us who knew Walter will miss him very much. He was a very special man. A funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, July 9 at 3pm at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 21 West Broad Street, Mount Vernon.