Walter Edward Kovalski, Jr. of Middleboro died peacefully on September 22, 2016 following a period of declining health.  He was 83. 

He was born on February 7, 1933 in South Boston, son of the late Walter E. and Catherine L. (Scannell) Kovalski.   Father of John M. and Micheal.  Also survived by one grandchild and three brothers: Joseph, Jimmy and Johnny.

A hero is defined as a person who is admired or idolized for courage outstanding achievements or Noble qualities. Walter Kovalski went above and beyond that definition a man who was born in South Boston during the Great Depression who marched to school. As a young boy trudging through feet of snow fighting neighbors over a hill of candy then getting a broom to him by his mother Walter joined the service at 17 over the next 24 years he would be in three branches the army the Marines and the Air Force. Walter and I used to attend Services during Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Walter used to salute all three flags when their respective military songs would play. After I enlisted in the Army we would both stand up next to each other and salute the Army flag as the song The Army Goes Rolling Along played. Walter would always tell me that he wouldn't he wasn't sure which flag he should salute having been in 3 different branches after retiring from the service Walter went to work for the Foxboro company retiring a second time after 16 years of working. Here's where I enter the story. In 1996 on April 23rd I was born I am his great-nephew. He was my great-uncle and always was great to me for the first three years of my life he would put a quarter in a jar for everyday and then with this money he opened my first bank account. When I was younger Walter used to always take me for rides we went to mainly military bases such as Hanscom Air Force Base Camp Edwards and Castle Island. Walter was my babysitter for most of my childhood one time I had pneumonia and I've been sick in bed for a week I begged and pleaded him to take me out and he did despite my parents and my doctor telling him not to. Walter and I were on a swing set once Walter started to swing and he tipped the whole thing over. We both fell to the ground and laughed. On rainy days we would play card games monopoly chess and we would kick a ball around the yard. Later on in Walter's life primarily the last two to three years I saw him on a daily basis. Except for a brief period of six months where I had to go into military training. During this time of two to three years we used to stay up at night and watch Matlock and The Andy Griffith Show. Later on when the channels are moved around we watched Chuck Norris Texas Ranger. Walter always cared about others more than himself he was always there for me and my parents if they needed anything he would help all his elderly friends and we give them rides without asking for anything in return Walter taught them how to defend themselves with a cane Walter was my uncle my best friend and overall My Hero. It's not everyday you get to spend time with a hero. May he rest in peace.

Committal service on Tuesday (October 4, 2016) at 1 PM in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:  Department of Veterans' Services, Town Office Building, 20 Centre Street, Middleboro, MA 02346.  

 Service Information