The Honorable Neil J. Walker, retired presiding Justice of Lowell District Court, passed away peacefully at Care One of Wilmington on January 15th. He was 79. Raised in Medford, he was the son of the late Ralph and Margaret (Colicchio) Walker.
Neil graduated from Medford High School and went on to earn his degree at Suffolk University and then graduated New England School of Law. Neil practiced as a defense attorney, served as an assistant district attorney, and practiced with great success and dedication as a public defender. Appointed as a judge in 1985, Judge Walker served primarily at Lowell District Court, where he was Presiding Judge. He also served as a justice in Somerville District Court. Known as a fair judge, Neil believed in the goodness in all people. He was regarded as respectful, fair, and competent in the exercise of his duties.
Neil enjoyed the company of his family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He and Rita enjoyed travelling, especially on cruises. Neil loved to golf, spend some time on the ski slopes and most of all be with his wife, kids and granddaughters.
The beloved husband of Rita M. (Rigali) Walker, Neil was a devoted father to Lisa M. Gemellaro and her husband John of Reading, Neil J. Walker, Jr. and his wife Lori of Reading and Christopher M. Walker of Quincy. He was a loving “Papa” to Emily, Paige, Chloe, Alexandra and Victoria. He was a dear brother to Ralph P. Walker and his wife Kathy, John “Jack” Walker and his late wife Ellen, and Margaret Gennetti and her husband Henry. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Sunday, January 21st from 2 – 6 PM and again on Monday morning at 10 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High Street, Medford at 11 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in Neil’s name, to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.