Walter Thorne Schultheis, age 95, passed away August 5, 2022, surrounded by loved ones at his residence in the StoneRidge community in Mystic, CT. Walter led a remarkable and fulfilling life, notable for his love of nature, travel, family, and most of all his dear wife Sydney. He was a pillar of his community throughout his life, dedicated to civic service and his church, whether it be at StoneRidge, during family life in Manchester, CT and Waitsfield, VT, or at his beloved beach residence in Charlestown, RI.
Born an only child in Albany, NY in 1926, Walter graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1944 and entered Naval Officer Training at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Walter was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity, the track team and graduated in 1947 with an electrical engineering degree.
Upon graduation, he was commissioned as Ensign U.S.N. and was assigned to the aircraft carrier Philippine Sea. During his time aboard, he developed a lasting love for the sea and a thirst for adventure and international travel. In July 1950, he began a distinguished career in the electric power industry, working for Connecticut Light & Power Company and its successors in many roles, culminating in Vice President for Northeast Utilities until his retirement in 1991.
Walter met Sydney Ann Weaver on a beach in Quoque, Long Island and married in 1951. They lived an active life in Manchester, CT, raising three boys, playing tennis, skiing in Vermont and spending summers in Rhode Island. While in Manchester, Walter served as President of the Lutz Junior Museum, spearheading the construction a new education building in the Nature Center.
In 1999, Walter and Sydney retired to Waitsfield, VT, enjoying cross country skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing and serving active roles in the Mad River Valley Rotary Club and St. Dunston’s Episcopal church. They travelled the world, and enjoyed time sailing on their sloop, aptly named “Sydney II.”
Summers in “Quonnie” were a central part of their life and that tradition continues to this day. Walter’s generosity and legacy as a role model centered around the beloved family home there, where his children and grandchildren follow his lead with their love of tennis, water sports and creative participation in the July 4th parade.
Walter is survived by his three sons, Peter of Lyme, CT; Alexander of Providence, RI and Douglas of South Kingstown, RI; their spouses/ partners, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Sydney, who passed away in 2016 from Alzheimer’s disease.
A service for Walter will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Mystic on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 1:30 pm, followed by a celebration of life 3:30 at StoneRidge. Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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