Obituary of CWO Walter Monroe Winfrey USN Ret.

CWO Walter M. Winfrey, USN, Ret. Walter Monroe Winfrey, 96, of Rome, passed away September 14, 2011, in peace at home with his family by his side. He was born on April 24, 1915, in New Britain, CT, a son of the late William and Mary Marron Winfrey; orphaned at age six, and sent to Chicago, IL, where he graduated from Moose Heart High School. Walter joined the US Navy in 1936, as an apprentice Seaman and retired in 1957, as a chief Warrant Officer. He trained as an Aerographer and became a POW and sent to Yokohama in 1942, after being captured by the Japanese while his crew was installing weather antennae on Kiska in the Aleutians. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries. He served duties in Guam, Saipan, RI, Ak, and became an instructor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Following military retirement, Walt briefly worked at GAFB and began another career as a Store Keeper at the former Rome State School, retiring in 1980. On October 30, 1946, Walter was united in marriage to the former Rose Mosca at the Church of St. John the Baptist, a union of almost 65 years. Walt enjoyed golfing, gardening, puttering around the house and spending time with his family. He was member of St. Paul's Church. Walter is survived by his wife, Rose; a daughter, Wanona Carey, Town of Lee, a son, Peter D. Winfrey of Rome; grandchildren, Chiane Joell and Peter Mason Winfrey of Phoenix, AZ; a sister in law, Nicolena Manca of Utica; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased y his brother, William Winfrey, a sister, Winnie LaRosa, a son in law, Ambrose F. Carey, Jr, and many members of the Mosca family. The family would like to offer deep gratitude to Dr. Porus Dhabhar, MD and his staff for the years of special care of Walter. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Friday at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Church. Interment with full military honors will be in St. Peter's Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Friday, 9:30 to 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Church Memorial Fund or the Rome Chapter of the American Red Cross.