Walter ‘Doc’ Kilday ’49 (ENG)

Walter “Doc” W. Kilday, 87, of Bristol, husband of Claire (Ryniec) Kilday passed away peacefully on April 6, 2012. “Doc” was born in New Haven on July 13, 1924 and was a son of the late James and Theresa (Guilfoyle) Kilday.

While a freshmen at the University of Connecticut in 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy. Walter served during WWII and was awarded the US Navy air medal for flying 30 missions patrolling the English Channel. In 1945, he returned to the University of Connecticut where he met his wife of 63 years, Claire. While at UCONN, he played soccer for three years. In 1948, he was co-captain of a UCONN soccer team that won the NCAA National Championship. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering.

During his engineering career, he worked as a land surveyor, assisting in the layout of Interstate Route 84. He also worked at Standard Builders, Inc. of Hartford, Miscellaneous Metal Works of Cromwell, and Berlin Steel of Middletown.

He was a man of few words, but showed his love for his family with his deeds. He was an honest hard working man who loved “UCONN Country” and will be missed. He enjoyed playing golf, and spending time with family and friends. He and his wife were longtime members of the Chippanee Country Club in Bristol.

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind, a son and daughter-in-law; Michael and Deborah (Tosun) Kilday; three daughters and a son-in-law; Eileen Kilday, Judy Kilday, and Janet and Jeffrey Doran. He also leaves behind four beloved grandchildren; Kyle D. Kilday, Patrick, Colleen, and Laura Doran. He was predeceased by a grandson Jonathan, a brother James Kilday and a sister Patricia Malaro. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to UCONN Men’s Soccer, 2095 Hillside Rd., Unit 1173, Storrs, CT 06269. His family wishes to thank the home health care of hospice for their compassionate care.