MOHAWK - Walter “Walt” P. O’Connor, age 82, a retired school teacher and real estate agent, formerly of 38 W. Main St., Mohawk, died Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica. Born in Mohawk, July 15, 1926, he was the son of Frank and Carrie (Cook) O’Connor, and was a graduate of Mohawk High School and Hamilton College, continuing his studies and gaining a master’s degree from Syracuse University and a diplome from the University of Paris. Following high school graduation in 1944, he served in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater of War, where he attained the rating of Cryptanalytic Specialist (Q) First Class. He taught for a number of years in the Van Hornesville, Herkimer, and Ilion School systems, the American dependent schools in Poitiers and Verdun, France, and additionally taught adult education English at the Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, and Mohawk Valley Community College. He traveled abroad in Europe, the Middle East and Far East. Following retirement from teaching, he was a real estate agent in Mohawk for several years. He was a communicant of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk. He was a member of the Mohawk Kiwanis, Crowley-Barnum Post 25 American Legion, U.S. Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association, Ilion Lodge BPOE Elks, Mohawk Valley Alpiners, Adirondack Mountain Club, Adirondack Forty-Sixers, North Country Trails Association, Canal Society of New York State, Herkimer County Historical Association, Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society, Otsego Sailing Club, Flying Scot Sailing Association and Retiree Council 12 of the New York State United Teachers and American Federation of Teachers. An AARP member, he served that organization as a VOTE volunteer in the 23rd New York Congressional District and in the Herkimer County and New York State Retired Teachers Associations, he held several elective and appointive positions, including county president and state and federal legislative chairperson at both the county and zone levels. He is survived by nephews and nieces: Paul Streitz, Christine (O’Connor) Joynes, Martha (Streitz) Harausz, Frank O’Connor, Kurt Streitz, Terry O’Connor, Jerry O’Connor, Kathleen (O’Connor) Brigham, Peter Streitz, Kevin O’Connor, Denis O’Connor, Maryann (O’Connor) Snyder and several grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Julia (O’Connor) Streitz and two brothers, Edward and Francis. Funeral services will be held at 10:15 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2009, at Graves-Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 48 E. Main St., Mohawk, and 11 a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Church, 54 E. Main St., Mohawk, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Mark Cunningham, Sacramental Minister, assisted by Sister MaryJo Tallman, Parish Life Director. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the church service. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, East Herkimer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity. Donation envelopes are available at the funeral home. All arrangements have been entrusted to Graves-Applegate & Day Funeral Home, Mohawk, Don Applegate, Funeral Director.