Walter D. Hett

York, Maine- Walter D. Hett, 90 of Two Victoria Court and formerly of Stow, MA and Portsmouth, NH, passed away on November 18, 2023. He was born in Haverhill, MA, son of the late John and Maud B. (Meloon) Hett on October 28, 1933. He grew up learning the values of hard work and discipline while assisting his parents in operating their family farm.

Walter graduated from Portsmouth High School as part of the Class of 1951, after which he dedicated a portion of his life in service to our country as an Air Traffic Controller in the U.S. Air Force. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at the University of New Hampshire, where he earned an engineering degree, persevering in his dedication to continuous learning and excellence.

In his professional journey, Walter made significant contributions to the field of aviation. He worked with Raytheon, contributing to the development of cutting-edge air traffic control systems. Subsequently, he joined Sanders Associates, a defense contractor, where his expertise flourished.

Even in what some might call "retirement," Walter's passion for his work endured. Leveraging his extensive knowledge, and the relationships he had cultivated with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), he realized a lifelong dream by establishing his consulting business, "Walter Hett and Associates."

Beyond his professional achievements, Walter was a beloved family man and a pillar of support to those around him. His legacy lives on through the impact he made in the aviation industry and the cherished memories shared with family and friends.

Walter is survived by his wife of seventy years, Geraldine (Moon), Barry D. Hett and his wife Susan of Wisconsin, Lori E. Doran and her husband Paul, Lois A. Kirk and her husband John, Eric S. Hett and his wife Susan, all of York, Maine and Donna L. Finnegan and her husband Brian of Berwick,  Maine, and his beloved sister-in-law, Carol Schultz of California.  He is dearly loved by his grandchildren Patrick, Amanda, Chrislyn, Mallory, Nikki, Megan, Laura, Craig, Bryce, Aimee, Jared, and Mark and his great grandchildren, Bo, Cooper,  Lucas, Madison, Spencer,  Owen, Lucy, Lincoln, and Trae, and his cherished nieces and nephew, Sarah, Michelle, and Jaime who will continue to hold his memory dear. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law Mary Morency, brother-in-law William Schultz, and nephew, Jason Schultz.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:00 in the Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, 91 Long Sands Road York, Maine. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org in memory of Walter.

The family expresses gratitude for the condolences and support during this difficult time. We wish to recognize the outstandingly compassionate care he received at both York Hospital and Sentry Hill.  The staff at both places not only took care of him in the best possible ways, they extended their care to his family as we said farewell. Walter will be remembered for his dedication, resilience, and the indelible mark he left on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace.

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