Dennis W. Walker

Dennis White Walker, 79, of Guilford, formerly of Essex, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2020 at Yale New Haven Hospital, following a lengthy illness.  He was the husband of Sally (Stearns) Walker, with whom he shared 15 years of love and life adventures.

Born in New York, NY on October 23, 1940, he was a graduate of the Darrow School in upstate New York, where he leaves many friends and classmates whom he remained in touch with through their annual reunions.  He went on to attend the University of New Haven, and became a successful insurance broker, owning and operating Walker and Associates in Essex for more than 40 years.  Happiest when on the water, Dennis had a lifelong passion for boating and sailing, both competitively and leisurely throughout New York and Connecticut.  He was a member of the Storm Trysail and Baldwin Yacht Clubs in New York, and was a founding member of the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club.  Upon “retiring” from boating, he fulfilled his love for the ocean with frequent cruise vacations.

In addition to his wife, Sally, he leaves his son, Thomas Walker of Essex, his grandson, Chase Walker; his step-children, Greg and Sara O’Neal and Barbara Viriglio and their families; many extended family members and friends in the sailing community; and his beloved four legged companion, “Duke”.

Dennis love for animals may be remembered with contributions to Dog Star Rescue at www.dogstarrescue.org

Honoring Dennis’ wishes, his life will be celebrated privately with a future memorial at the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club.  The staff at Plainville Funeral Home extends their gratitude to the Walker family for their trust.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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