Walter F. Colantuono, age 84, a 37-year resident of Windham, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and three children on September 6, 2023, at the Merrimack Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. He was the beloved husband for 62 years of Noreen Colantuono (Greely).

Born in Boston, Walter was the son of the late Walter L. and Constance (Mitchell) Colantuono. A graduate of Boston College High School, he received a B.S. degree in Physics from Boston College and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University. He was employed with Bell Laboratories (AT&T and Lucent Technologies) for his entire career at locations in both New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Shortly after moving from NJ to NH, Walter's outgoing personality led to many new friendships and a very busy social life. He and Noreen became active members of a square dancing and a round dancing group. They also hosted and participated in a monthly couple's bridge group and a gourmet dinner group.

Walter had a strong passion for sailing, which began on the Charles River in Boston. He shared his enthusiasm for sailing with his children at Monmouth Boat Club in Red Bank, NJ. As a member of the Lightning Class since the mid 70's, and a member of the American Boat & Yacht Council, he traveled to and hosted many regattas. After moving to NH in 1986, Walter became a member of Massabesic Yacht Club. He kept his sailboat there and raced every Sunday, often with his daughter Laura as his crew. In the winter, Walter enjoyed sailing his ice boat and was always happy to offer a ride to anyone who wanted a thrilling experience.

Walter also had a fondness for sports cars. He owned several classic Porsches and was an active member of the Porsche Club of America. He served as the President of the PCA Jersey Shore Region in 1968 and 1974.

As a born teacher, Walter always encouraged learning through exploring curiosity. He exemplified this particularly after his early retirement, in everything he was a part of, from running the Learn-to-Sail program at Massabesic Yacht Club to being a volunteer instructor for the Junior Achievement Program at the local grammar school. He became an accredited Marine Surveyor, and he would captain boat deliveries for friends. He also worked for a Hunter sailboat dealer by taking new boat owners out to demonstrate how to operate their new boat. Teaching others how to cook was another passion of Walter's, and he always enjoyed making a table full of food surrounded by loved ones.

Family was very important and brought much joy to Walter. He had a deep love for his family and friends right to the end of his life and he always found kind words to brighten someone's day. Everyone knew if they needed a boat, a car, a place to stay, a meal, and of course a cold beer, Walter was the guy to ask. He was always happy to help, happy to share.

In addition to his wife Noreen Colantuono (Greely), Walter is lovingly survived by his children, Laura Wakeford (Colantuono) and her husband Dave Wakeford of Windham, NH, Larry Colantuono and his wife Theresa Colantuono (Parker) of Portsmouth, RI, and Peter Colantuono and wife Tracy Rowe-Colantuono of San Diego, CA.  His grandchildren Ryan Wakeford of Charleston, SC and Shannon Wakeford of Salem, NH, Parker, Daisy and Nicholas Colantuono of Portsmouth, RI and Robert Colantuono of San Diego.

He is also survived by his sister Frances Raleigh (Colantuono) and her children Catherine Love (Raleigh) and Jamie Raleigh.

Family and friends are invited to attend Calling hours on Sunday, September 17th from 11am to 1pm, at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 1pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Hospice House-Merrimack, NH or to the International Lightning Class Association, Boat Grant Program . Please click here to learn about the boat program.