Walter William Reckert, Jr.

Walter William Reckert, Jr., 88 of Plainville, passed away at his home with his family by his side on Friday, April 26, 2024. 

Born in August 1935 to Walter and Dorothy (Kelly) Reckert, Walt was the oldest of four children.  After graduating from Plainville High School, Walt matriculated to Tufts University where he studied for two years until he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War.  He served in Japan, receiving several commendations.  Upon returning to the United States, Walt married his longtime childhood sweetheart, Doris Kimball. 

With the help of the G.I. Bill, Walt enrolled in classes at UConn.  After graduating, he got a job with the Peltzer and Ziegler Real Estate and Insurance agency where he developed a passion for real estate.  At the same time, Walter and his wife, Doris, were starting their family.  Unfortunately, the couple’s first child, daughter Tracy E. Reckert, was born prematurely and died shortly after her birth.  Walt and Doris would go on to have three more children, Scott, Lori, and Kelly.  The couple revered parenthood and did everything in their power to give their kids an idyllic childhood.

In addition to being a loving husband, devoted father, son, and brother, Walt was heavily involved in civic life.  In 1970, he was honored as the Plainville JayCees’ “Man of the Year”.  He also enjoyed being a member of both the Knights of Columbus and the VFW.

   Walt took great pride in being a founding member of the Plainville Choral Society, an organization which lives on to this day.  His love of singing led him to continue performing with the group long into his seventies.  Walter was also a member of the choir at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Plainville, the choir at the Plainville Senior Center, and the CT Senior Choir.

Walt was also a longtime supporter of youth sports in Plainville.  He saw sports as a means for young people to build character.  Walter was a founding member of the Plainville Midget Football League.  He spent many years coaching his sons’ midget football and Little League teams.

Walt’s passion for helping others led him to serve for many years as a member of the Plainville Democratic Town Committee.  Walt also served two terms on the Plainville Town Council.

Walt tried his hand in the restaurant game owning his own establishment in Plainville. After a brief stint selling life insurance for the Knights of Columbus, he was drawn back into real estate.  Walt enrolled in a real estate appraisal course and recruited his son, Scott, into the business.  Shortly thereafter, Walt and his son formed what would become a very successful appraisal company. 

Around this time, Walt’s first grandson, Will, was born.  The addition of Will (William Walter) into Walt’s life led him to finally retire and enjoy time with his family.  Walt and Doris loved being grandparents.  They were able to do things with Will without all of the stress and time constraints that young parents face.  The three enjoyed their time together traveling, spending time at the Connecticut shoreline, going to sporting events, and going to Will’s sports practices and games.

In 2004, Walt’s wife, Doris, died after bravely fighting cancer.  To honor his wife’s memory, Walt became a mentor with the Plainville school system, the same school district where his wife had been a teacher.  Walt was paired with a wonderful mentee and the two shared valuable time together. 

In 2010, Walt’s family grew again as his son, Kelly, and his daughter-in-law, Patricia, welcomed twin boys, Hunter and Maximo, into the world.  Walt spent many joyous Saturday afternoons babysitting his new grandsons and attending their soccer and baseball games.

Walt lost his vision in 2014, which significantly altered his life.  With the help and support of the Connecticut VA Blind Rehab Center, he was able to adapt and make the most of his new normal.  Walt made some new friends, and with the ongoing support of his family and friends, he continued to sing.  Even with his new disability, Walt took up new hobbies including yoga and tai-chi.

Despite his efforts to stay healthy and active, an inoperable hip injury left Walt bed-bound.  With assistance from his friends and family, as well as some incredibly caring and attentive homecare aids (Pierre, Earl, Tatiana and Jaceer), Walt was able to enjoy the latter years of his life.

The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to Walt’s care over the years.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either the VA’s Blind Rehab Center or the charity of your choice.           

A Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Walt’s life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 94 Broad St., Plainville.  Family and friends may gather one hour prior the Mass, from 9:00-10:00 at the church.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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