Walter E. Burkard, loving husband of Carol W. Burkard (née Weber) and devoted son of the late Karl and Hilda Burkard, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, at the age of 88.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to German immigrants, Walter’s family soon settled in New Britain, Connecticut, where he graduated from New Britain High School in 1955. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, stationed in Germany, where he had the opportunity to reconnect with his extended family overseas.

In 1960, Walter married the love of his life, Carol, and together they raised their three sons—David, Michael, and Marc—in New Britain. He spent his entire professional career with Northeast Utilities, retiring in 1994 after decades of dedicated service.

Walter was a longtime member of St. Maurice Catholic Church, where he was active in parish life and volunteered as a CYO basketball and Little League baseball coach, mentoring and cheering on the teams his sons played for. He was a loving and supportive father who, along with Carol, took great joy in being involved in their sons’ many activities.

Walter cherished his time in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where he spent summers as a young man helping relatives run their inn. Over the years, countless memories were made in North Conway and Jackson, where the Burkard family vacationed alongside their dear friends, the Kallajian and Ferland families. In later years, Walter loved revisiting the region, often joining Rich Ferland and Dick Kallajian on scenic drives that always included a stop at his favorite brewery. Walter was predeceased by his eldest son, David, and by his brothers, Charles and Richard. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol, his sons Michael (Kandace) and Marc (Christina), and his daughter-in-law Cynthia. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren—Daniel (Michelle), Alex, Matthew, Katherine, and Cody—as well as several nieces and nephews. Walter will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering devotion to his family, and the joy he found in simple pleasures—time with loved ones, laughter among friends, and the beauty of the mountains he loved so dearly.

Funeral services will be held Saturday (Oct. 25, 2025) with a mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. Maurice Church 100 Wightman Road New Britain. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut  Cancer Foundation 15 North Main St. Old Saybrook, CT 06475 (https://www.ctcancerfoundation.org/), or to a charity of the donor’s choice.