Arthur Carleton Walker of Montclair, who had a long career as a CPA and CFO and was a lover of the Jersey Shore, died at Mountainview Gardens LTC in Cedar Crest, Pompton Plains, on Monday, May 11. He was 82.
Mr. Walker was born in 1943 in Montclair to the late Ralph Carleton and Dorothy (nee Riker) Walker.
He earned a master’s degree in accounting from Seton Hall University and was an Army veteran.
Mr. Walker (aka Pops, Artie, Little Artie, Tank, BeerBelly and The Mayor) loved everything related to the Jersey Shore, boating and the water.
He spent his days at the Shore and could usually be found picking up his daily Wawa coffee, boating out in the bay, fishing/crabbing, feeding the seagulls (especially Henry) by hand (right in front of the “No Feeding the Seagulls” sign) or taking his family out for a lagoon cruise, all the while talking to everyone he met along the way.
He beautifully restored a 1963 Corvette, which came to him in boxes, and enjoyed bringing it to car shows for all to enjoy. He loved to travel with his wife and took many cruises around the world, making many close friends along the way.
Known for his sense of humor, he always had a joke to tell, a funny story to share or a prank to pull. With his radiant smile and infectious laughter, he could brighten any room he walked into.
He would help out anyone who needed it – putting up wallpaper until late into night, doing tax returns, running to get a generator in a snowstorm, shoveling the neighbors’ walkway, or towing a stalled boat back to the docks – he always came through and just jumped right in, no questions asked.
He had a full life well-lived, and will be remembered for his dedication to family and friends, his professional accomplishments and the many lives he touched.
Mr. Walker is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife, Patricia Cooper, with whom he recently celebrated their 60-year anniversary; his children, Barbara Katona (Ed) and Arthur C. Walker Jr. (Lynn Erickson-Walker); his grandchildren, Christopher Gannon, Melissa Rodriguez (Xavier), Prescott Walker (Ethan) and Cooper Walker; his step-grandchildren, Edward Katona III (Krystal), Daniel Katona and Ted Arthur; his great-grandchildren, Ethan Katona and Eddasyn Katona, and numerous cousins, godchildren, other family members and friends.
Dear Patty, so sorry to hear of Art's passing. He was such a special person. May he be at peace and free from all worldly pain. My love and blessings to you and yours at this difficult time.
My sympathy to Patty and the family. Art was a Nishuane School friend of my late husband John and he always had some great stories about Art and their escapades. RIP Artie.
Here is a Montclair Times photo from 1952 of Art and John.
It was with great sadness that I've just read of Art's passing. His parents and my parents were extremely close friends and I knew Art since the 1950's. I have many beloved memories of visiting the Walker Family "Down the Shore." btw- Art's Mom, "Dotty" was Bill Bond's assistant (aka secretary) at Bon'ds Ice Cream for a number of years. Once again I find myself regretting any life changes that prevent people from staying in touch. R.I.P. Art
So sorry Patty and family to hear of Artie's passing.He was always so nice and friendly. It is so wonderful to read what a good life he had.May he rest in peace.8
For a couple of years Art and I were good friends. He was a wonederful friend, He lived a few blocks from the HS and I believe his father was a firemen. In any case he was a friend that I was better off for having known. I surehope hope he is in a good place after having w great life. I am sorry that later in life we we off in different directions. Best wishes to his family!
Dear Patty. I'm so sorry for your loss. My husband will be gone 7 years already when August comes around. It isn't easy, but family, friends and memories make it better with time. May he rest in peace.
Arthur Carleton Walker of Montclair, who had a long career as a CPA and CFO and was a lover of the Jersey Shore, died at Mountainview Gardens LTC in Cedar Crest, Pompton Plains, on Monday, May 11. He was 82.
Carol Twiner (Cameron)
Dear Patty, so sorry to hear of Art's passing. He was such a special person. May he be at peace and free from all worldly pain. My love and blessings to you and yours at this difficult time.
John Pace
So so sorry , Art and Patty were high school sweethearts
Rest in peace Art , you will be missed.
Elaine Johnson (Fiveland)
My sympathy to Patty and the family. Art was a Nishuane School friend of my late husband John and he always had some great stories about Art and their escapades. RIP Artie.
Here is a Montclair Times photo from 1952 of Art and John.
Ron Owens
It was with great sadness that I've just read of Art's passing. His parents and my parents were extremely close friends and I knew Art since the 1950's. I have many beloved memories of visiting the Walker Family "Down the Shore." btw- Art's Mom, "Dotty" was Bill Bond's assistant (aka secretary) at Bon'ds Ice Cream for a number of years. Once again I find myself regretting any life changes that prevent people from staying in touch. R.I.P. Art
Donna Ferlanti (Peemoller)
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Art. My condolences to Patty and the family. Art had a good life and was very special. May he rest in peace.
Donna Littlefield (Grieves)
So sorry Patty and family to hear of Artie's passing.He was always so nice and friendly. It is so wonderful to read what a good life he had.May he rest in peace.8
Chris Weimar
For a couple of years Art and I were good friends. He was a wonederful friend, He lived a few blocks from the HS and I believe his father was a firemen. In any case he was a friend that I was better off for having known. I surehope hope he is in a good place after having w great life. I am sorry that later in life we we off in different directions. Best wishes to his family!
Patty Brownlee (Cina)
Dear Patty. I'm so sorry for your loss. My husband will be gone 7 years already when August comes around. It isn't easy, but family, friends and memories make it better with time. May he rest in peace.