Walter H. Greenfield, Jr.

Walter H. Greenfield, Jr., of West Chester, Pennsylvania, passed away at the age of 101 on Nov. 14, 2024. Born on Oct. 24, 1923, in Abington, Pennsylvania, Walter was the son of the late Walter H. Sr. and Virginia (Stroud) Greenfield.

After graduating LaSalle College High School in 1940, Walter entered the University of Pennsylvania before joining the United States Army. After his discharge, Walter completed his studies, earning his degree in 1947.

Serving from 1943 to 1946, Walter was a member of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Division. As part of his service in the Ozark Division, he participated in the Rhineland Campaign -- a series of Allied military operations in Central and Western Europe during the final months of World War II. Among his recognitions, Walter was awarded the Purple Heart, as well as the Good Conduct and World War II Victory Medals. He was deserving to be part of the Greatest Generation.

He started his business career with Aetna Life & Casualty in Philadelphia, PA before transferring to the Hartford, CT headquarters, where he held leadership positions within the Property and Casualty division -- retiring in 1987, after 42 years of service.

Walter raised his family in West Hartford, CT. His dedication to his faith was important and he was a member of Church of Saint Timothy in West Hartford for over 60 years. Walter had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and was an avid reader. In recent years, he discovered audio books and listened to them days on end.

Walter was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather who will be deeply missed. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Catherine T. (Gutekunst) Greenfield, son Walter F. Greenfield, grandson Michael Greenfield, and his siblings, Virginia Flynn, Vincent Greenfield, and Richard Greenfield. He is survived by his daughter, Elise C. Furman and her husband Roy, his son Thomas M. Greenfield and his wife Marylou, his daughter-in-law, Janet Greenfield, and his sister, Joanne Hager. Walter was affectionately known as Pop-Pop to his grandchildren: Alison Greenfield (Noel Fahey), Caroline Greenfield, and Jennifer Greenfield.

Walter’s family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff and caregivers at Wellington at Hershey Mills in West Chester, PA, to the compassionate hospice team from Compassus, and to the caregivers from Angels Companions. We specifically want to thank Jalee, Augustus, and Marjorie for their care and kindness, especially during Walter’s difficult last year. 

Services will be private and in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Walter’s memory to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1365 Enfield St., Enfield, CT 06082.