It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Charles Walter Hardy, Jr., fondly known as Walter. Walter passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at the age of 81. He will be forever missed, and forever celebrated.
Walter was born on July 19, 1943, in Ipswich, Massachusetts to Charlie and Rose Hardy. He lived most of his life in Rowley and received his education from Newburyport High School. He completed additional coursework in Electronics and Engineering and served in the military from 1965-1971. Walter was a man of many gifts and trades. Most recently, he served as the 21st Century Grant Coordinator for the Triton Regional School District. In all his roles, he strived to make his community a better place for all.
Walter was a kind, giving and loving person who touched the lives of many. He was a devoted husband, parent, and grandparent who always put the needs of everyone else first. He adored the antics of his children and grandchildren, was a supporter of the arts, and in his retirement, years enjoyed restoring classic cars. He loved a good NASCAR race as well as sitting down with a good puzzle. Perhaps most of all, Walter enjoyed making memories with his family and friends at Disney.
Walter is survived by his wife Karen; his children Joyce Bell, Deborah Quillinan and husband Kevin Quillinan, Deanna Dawson and husband Matt Dawson, Charles Hardy; his grandchildren Naomi Bell, Jasmine Hardy, Josiah Bell, Walter J. Hardy, Genevieve Dawson, Flynn Quillinan; and his brother Fred Hardy. He will be remembered for his optimism, his generous and industrious spirit, his fierce championing of the underdog, and his steadfast integrity.
A graveside service was held at the Rowley Burial Ground on Friday, November 8, 2024, followed by a celebration of his life at the Rowley Veterans’ Association on Bradford Street in Rowley. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Esophageal Cancer Foundation at https://donate.cancer.org.
To light a memorial candle or to leave a message of condolence,
please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com.
– Arrangements entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home –
