Walter R. Pigeon, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Age 76 of Rockland, MA, passed away on Monday October 24, 2022 at South Shore Hospital after a period of failing health. Born on January 11, 1946 in South Weymouth, MA to Henry and Annette (LaBrecque) Pigeon.
In his early career Wally was an asbestos worker (pipe-coverer) with Local #6 Boston, but always had a love to work on cars. He changed careers to become an autobody technician, owning his own shop-Pigeon’s Autobody for many years in East and South Weymouth. He also worked for Bisco Environmental, and other autobody shops until his retirement from Quirk Autobody-Quincy in 2016.
He was a 1964 graduate of North Weymouth High School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army after high school, and served honorably during the time of the Vietnam era (1964-1968). He was a very proud veteran. After his military service in 1968, he met his wife and best friend Laura, and they settled in and raised a family in Abington for 3 years, and then in Rockland for the next 50 years. He was active in Rockland Little League as an assistant coach in the early 1980’s when his kids were young. Many years ago, he was an active member of the Rockland Knights of Columbus #165, having hosted many events and activities there. He also enjoyed playing on a couple’s bowling league with his wife in their younger years. He was a life-long car lover and talented painter. In his retirement, he put both to good use constructing model cars for his own collection, also for family members and friends. He also enjoyed repairing and painting landscape statuary. If he was not attending car shows, or watching car races on television, you could always find Wally puttering around his yard, or in his beloved garage. It was where he was the happiest. Wally was an avid dog lover. Earlier in his life he brought to the family-Sneakers and Brandy, then Poppy, Taffy, and Nicky-later in his life. All bringing him years of so much joy and love.
Wally was the beloved husband of M. Laura (Harwood) Pigeon for 53 years since 3/28/1969. They lived in Abington in their early years of marriage, then settled in Rockland where they raised their family. He is survived by his son Walter R. (Jay) Pigeon and his wife Colleen, and his daughter Michelle (Pigeon) Blake and her husband Jerry-all of Rockland. His grandchildren are Chelsea (Pigeon) Moses and her husband Mitchell-of Ohio, Jillian, Andrew, and Ethan Blake all of Rockland. He was the brother of the late Norman Pigeon of Rockland then later Middleboro MA, Doris Salemy of Needham MA, and Lawrence Pigeon of VA. He is also survived by his brothers in-law-Albert W. (Bill) Harwood and James Harwood, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Walter will soon be laid to rest at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA with a Celebration of Life gathering of family and friends to take place at a later date and time.
Being a life-long animal lover, please feel free to make any voluntary donations in his memory to the benefit of: Swansea Animal Shelter at 68 Stevens Road Swansea, MA 02777.
Arrangements by the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, for full obituary, online condolences, and directions, please visit www.blanchardfc.com