Walter J. Sexton

Ilion - Walt was an eighteen-year old in a senior's body, endowed with an Irish sense of humor who would bellow at a good joke and enjoy listening to country music. Born January 28, 1934, in New York City, Walter James Sexton was the older of two sons born to Timothy and Irene Sexton. Walt graduated from a Catholic parochial school and went on to Xavier High School in Manhattan. He was a natural student, and a member both of the ROTC and the school's rifle team. Walt would continue this interest, hunting with his brother James and his best friend Allen Mossman in upstate New York. Walt's pursuit of higher education earned him a Bachelors Degree in Philosophy and later his Masters. Walter was fluent in Spanish, loved to study astronomy, and pursued aviation earning a commercial pilot's license. Walter studied computer programming in the late 1960's and accepted a position with MDS where he worked as a writer and later as an editor for eighteen years. In 1969, Walt married Lydia Lupini at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Long Island. The couple made their home first in Richfield Springs and then in Ilion, New York, where they raised their three sons, one daughter and many, many pets. Walt enjoyed gardening, mowing with his lawn tractor, and helping the boys with their go-carts. He loved his Catholic faith and was devoted to the Blessed Mother. Walt suffered many illnesses, finally succumbing to COPD on December 14, 2010, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. Walt is survived by his wife, Lydia Sexton; his sons and their families: Ted and Tracie Sexton of Salt Lake City, Utah, and their grandchildren, Sophia and Garrett; Mark Sexton of St. Petersburg, Florida; Michael and Wendy Sexton of Singapore and granddaughter, Joy; and his daughter, Ann Marie Sexton of San Francisco, California. Walt also leaves behind his brother and his family, James and Anna Sexton of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The family would especially like to thank the staff at St. Elizabeth's Hospital for their compassionate care; Father Anthony of Annunciation Parish and Father John Comeskey of St. Elizabeth's for their pastoral care for the sick and their families; care givers Shirley Rhinehardt and Frank and Mattie Garberra, At Home Care Services, the staff at Folts and Sitrin Rehabilitation Centers, friend Camille Fisher and sister Linda Frank for their strong support over the years. Walter Sexton's funeral mass will be Saturday, December 18, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles in Frankfort. All are most welcomed to attend. A family viewing will be held at V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc., 203 Second Ave., Frankfort, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., just prior to the mass. In lieu of flowers, mass cards or a donation to Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Fund is requested by the family. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Walter's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com