Walter Allan Kirton of Greenburgh, NY was called to his heavenly rest on December 28, 2016. He was 73 years old.
Walter was born in New York City on October 20, 1943 to the late Samuel Ernest Kirton from Barbados and Caroline (Blackett) Kirton from British Guyana. As a teenager, he was a member of Grace Gospel Chapel in Harlem where he was baptized.
Walter’s attended elementary school in Harlem and when he was a teenager, he moved to New Rochelle and continued to commute to New York City to attend The Dwight School from which he graduated in 1960. He attended Boston College and Westchester Community College.
In 1966, Walter met the love of his life, Katherine Doris Watson with whom he would share the rest of his life. On June 15th 1968, Walter and Kathy were married at Union Baptist Church. This past summer, they celebrated 48 years of marriage. He was the proud father of three daughters, Stephanie, Dana and Robynn.
Walter was a classically trained pianist and organist and co-founder of Opus Plus, a jazz quartet that played in various clubs and establishments in the Tri-State area. In addition to playing at cabarets, he was the organist at The First Baptist Church in Far Rockaway, NY and also was the organist for the Wade Chorale for a short period of time at Union Baptist Church. He loved the big organ in the Louis W. Hughes Chapel. He was a lover of jazz amassing an amazing collection of original jazz records including his favorites Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Oscar Peterson, to whom he was often compared. In addition, he composed many original pieces including one written for his wife entitled “Inception”.
Professionally, Walter worked as a Technical Salesman for International Paper, retiring in 2000. In 1991, he became a Westchester County (Auxiliary) Deputy Sheriff and was most proud that he was chosen to guard President Bush during his visit to Westchester County. He retired after 13 years of service, due to illness.
One of his greatest passions was cooking. Walter enjoyed barbequing on his custom-made barbeque pit. During the winter months, it was not strange to see Walter barbequing in sub freezing temperatures. He also enjoyed creating new dishes and cooking at each family event. He was known for his amazing stuffed leg of lamb and homemade sweet potato pie.
In 2004 Walter suffered a devastating stroke and became a resident of the Schnurmacher Nursing Home Facility in White Plains. There he continued to be involved in music, becoming a member of the Men’s Music Group and The Bell Chime Group. He attended church services and the Gospel Hour with Joel each Sunday with his wife by his side.
Walter will be remembered for his many accomplishments, but his most important accomplishment was his re-dedication of his life to Christ in 2005.
Walter leaves behind his faithful wife of 48 years Katherine; three daughters: Stephanie, Dana and Robynn Kirton of Greenburgh; five grandchildren: Allison, Jerome and Jasmine Michaux; Joshua Allan and Jonathan Allan Hector; one great-granddaughter, Peyton George all of Greenburgh; Brothers and sisters-in-law: James (Jean) Watson of Mays Landings NJ; Ronald Watson of Los Angeles, CA; Harold ‘Rick’ (Vikki) Watson of Summerville SC; Sisters-in-law: Barbara Perry of Greenburgh, NY; Evelyn Stewart of Yonkers, NY; Janet Washington (Melvin) of Glendale AZ; Linda (Aaron) Brown of Elmsford, NY; many cousins, nieces, nephews and his best friend of 58 years, Wilbert R. Surphlis of Bronx, NY. He was predeceased by his parents Samuel and Carolyn Kirton, step brothers and sisters Simeon, Joshua, Clement, Miriam and Vernice (Pearl) Kirton.
The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the Kirton Family entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the Kirton Family during their time of bereavement.
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