Obituary of Walter C. Reid

Walter Cornelius Reid was born on September 6, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York. He was the second child of Walter and Anne (McKeon) Reid also of Brooklyn. Walter attended St. Patrick's Catholic Grade School in Brooklyn and later attended Xavier High School in New York City on a full scholarship for Oratory. While at Xavier High School, then a military academy, Walter earned the very high honor of becoming Colonel of the Regiment. In the summers, he traveled the world with the Merchant Marines. Walter was well known at that time for his high merit but also for his authenticity and humility in light of his many accomplishments and honors earned up until that point. Following High School, Walter considered attending the Yale School of dramatic arts, however, instead went on to Holy Cross College in Worchester, Massachusetts on a full scholarship also for oratory and writing. While at Holy Cross, Walter became the editor-in-chief for the college literary paper and student newspaper. Walter graduated from Holy Cross cum laude. Following Holy Cross, Walter received a scholarship to Columbia Law School where he received his doctorate of laws. Following Law School, Walter served as an Assistant United States Attorney with the Department of Justice. He also served as Captain in the United States Army Reserves. He also served his local community in Brooklyn as President of the Shore Road Young Republicans Club and wrote a local column for three newspapers there. He served as Law Chairman for the Kings County Republican County Committee. In 1974, Walter married Lillian Thomasen and after 5 years of marriage, the couple moved from Bay Ridge Brooklyn to Larchmont NY in Westchester County. Together they had three children, Anne Edvarda, Elisabeth Josephine and Walter Andrew Reid. In Larchmont, Walter was elected President of the Larchmont- Mamaroneck Civic Association. At that time, he was employed as Anti-Trust Counsel for Nynex/ New York Telephone and AT+T. Among other services to his family and his local community, Walter was legal counsel for several NYS Senate /Assembly Joint Legislative Committees. He later moved on to private practice as partner in a New York and Texas law firm. He was also general counsel and vice president of a satellite telephone company. Walter rarely spoke of his many accomplishments and always welcomed and encouraged relationships with people of all races, all levels of accomplishment, religious beliefs and socio-economic backgrounds as he would often quote St. Paul ("to be all things to all men"). He encouraged hard work and patience in all areas but his first priority was getting to heaven. He was a faithful husband, a dedicated father and steadfast in carrying out his vocation even in the face of setbacks and disappointment. He made many sacrifices for others and he loved his children who were truly the center of his thoughts all the way until the end. He will be remembered as a man of peace, true mercy, meekness, humility and patience for throughout his life he was willing to wait and be patient for the reward that awaited him in heaven. Walter is survived by his wife Lillian, his three children, and 9 grandchildren: Sophia Rose Astrid, Erik Reid, Johannes Andrew, Karolina Lilliana, Silje Anne Therese, Dahlia Maria, Sebastian XiaoLong, Elsa Adalyn, and a baby due Christmas Day 2013