John Walker

John David Walker of Scarsdale, New York died at his home on January 18, 2026. He is survived by his two sons, David Bray Walker and his wife Elizabeth of Greenwich, Connecticut, and William Alexander Walker and his wife Amy Walsh, of New York City and Warren, Connecticut; his five grandchildren, Anne and her husband Benjamin Arkin, Catherine and her fiancé Miles Bock, Sarah Walker, and Henry and John Walker. He is predeceased by his wife, Susan Bray Walker, their daughter, Elizabeth Grace, and his sister Elizabeth “Bette” Geyer.

John was born on June 17, 1927 in Boston, Massachusetts to Clarence Cook Walker and Grace Tomkins Walker. In 1945, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Pacific until the end of World War II. He graduated cum laude from Amherst College in 1950, with a Bachelor of Arts in English and thereafter earned a Master of Arts in English literature from Columbia University. He worked his entire professional career in the advertising industry, first at the Fletcher Richards Company, then for nearly thirty years at Ogilvy & Mather (later part of WPP group), specializing in the travel industry.

Throughout his life, John had an abiding interest in people, literature and the arts. He was unfailingly kind and gracious to all. In his retirement, he was a devoted student at the Scarsdale Adult School, and loved recounting his class discussions about books, authors and artists. Even in his latest years, he found great comfort and joy in art history classes and re-reading his favorite author, Jane Austen. John’s dedication to arts and literature was only surpassed by his devotion to his family. He took great pride in the achievements of his children and grandchildren, no matter how great or small, and in particular was an unwavering advocate, caretaker and companion to his daughter Elizabeth, who was born with special needs, and, along with his wife Susan, cared for her until her death in 2019.

John matched the joy he found in the activities and organizations he loved with his commitment to supporting their efforts. He served as Treasurer of the Scarsdale Adult School and was a steadfast volunteer and benefactor for the Arc of Westchester. His family and friends will miss his kind humor, sage guidance, and sparkling smile.

He will be laid to rest at Greenwood Union Cemetery in Rye, NY. A memorial celebration to honor the life of John and Susan Walker will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Arc of Westchester, 265 Saw Mill River Road, Hawthorne, NY 10532 or at www.arcwestchester.org.