Walter L. Tobey

ASHBURNHAM – Walter L. Tobey, 82, of Ashburnham and formerly of Melrose, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, July 15th in Emerson Hospital, Concord.

He was born in Boston on July 1, 1932, son of the late Walter L. and Anna (Conroy) Tobey.  He grew up in Somerville, where he graduated from Somerville High School and later attended Fisher College.  Walter and his wife Joyce raised their family in Melrose and moved to Ashburnham following his retirement.

Walter was a retired postal worker.  During the Korean War he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force.  He was Crew Chief on an F-86 Sabre jet.  Walter also participated in the 50th Fighter Bomber Wing deployment to Hahn AFB, Germany from Clovis AFB New Mexico during Operation Fox Able 27 on 10 August 1953. This marked the first mass flight of an entire tactical wing from the U.S. to continental Europe.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Army of Occupation Medal.  Walter enjoyed reading, traveling and spending time with his family.

He leaves his wife of 61 years, Joyce N. (Mills) Tobey; seven children, Allen W. Tobey and his wife Kathryn of Princeton, Nancy E. LaCroix and her husband Paul of Ashby, Sandra L. Higgins and her husband Philip of Windham, NH, Linda J. Tobey of Fitchburg, Ronald J. Tobey of Saugus, June M. Carr and her husband William of Petersham and Ellen G. Marcoux and her husband Todd of Pepperell, fourteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Military funeral services will be held Friday, July 18th at 10 A.M. in Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.  There are no calling hours.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.

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