Walter Henry Grisevich, a proud veteran and beloved family man, passed away on February 19, 2020, at the age of 94. Born on November 17, 1925, in Hartford, Connecticut, Walter was the son of Harry Benedict and Katherine (Pavilowich) Grisevich and was one of six children.
At just 17, Walter enlisted in the Marines during World War II, serving valiantly as a member of the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade during the liberation of Guam. His dedication to his fallen comrades was unwavering; throughout his life, he advocated for those who were overlooked on the Official Guam Casualty List, ensuring their sacrifices were honored and remembered. Walter developed a profound connection to Guam, returning to the island several times in later years alongside fellow soldiers.
In the years following the war, Walter found love with Madeline Carpenter, whom he met while working as a Bond Bread salesman. Their marriage lasted for 58 years until Madeline’s passing in 2009. Together, they cherished their extended family, and Walter’s kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and their families.
Walter’s vibrant personality shone in all his endeavors. Whether he was working in sales, providing transportation at Dexter Corporation in Windsor, or indulging in his favorite hobby of stamp collecting, he approached life with joy and enthusiasm.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Leon and Paul Grisevich, and sister Mary Skripol. He is survived by his stepson Stewart Brown and his wife Regene of Manchester, as well as his brother George Grisevich of Hartford and sister Lillian Parks of West Hartford.
Family and friends gathered to honor Walter’s life with calling hours at Rose Hill Funeral Home in Rocky Hill on March 7, followed by a memorial service and burial. In lieu of flowers, contributions were made in his memory to the Iwo Jima Survivors Association, reflecting his lifelong commitment to honoring the sacrifices of his fellow servicemen. Walter Henry Grisevich’s legacy of service, love, and joy will forever be remembered by all who knew him.
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.
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