Obituary of John C Walton

Walton, John C. age 101 of Paterson at rest in Paterson on May 31, 2016. Beloved husband of the late Irene (nee Martello) Walton. Dear brother of William Walton and his wife Pat of New Port Richie, Fl. and the late Robert Walton. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Born in Hawthorne, he grew up in Paterson, attending Central High School before enlisting in the Navy in 1940 and being called to active duty in 1941. He was stationed on Ford's Island in Pearl Harbor when he heard the rumbling engines of Japanese planes and felt the rough shaking of ships as bombs dropped upon the Hawaiian naval base. He didn't realize the damage until it was over and he was focusing on staying alive. After surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Walton continued his Naval career as a radioman for a scout plane squadron in the Pacific for four more years. Returning to his hometown of Paterson in 1945, Mr. Walton decided to continue his service and took the Civil Service Exam. In 1947, John began his career as a Paterson firefighter. At that time, firefighters did not have the personal protective equipment, that they have today. They were true "smokeeaters" and Mr. Walton found that he was once again on a team of First Responders. He served at the Market Street Station and after five years on the job, decided to take the Captain's test. For the next 32 years, Mr. Walton protected the families, businesses, children and neighborhoods of Paterson. He loved keeping fit by gardening and going for walks in the cemetery near his home. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Entombment to follow at Laurel Grove Cemetery Mausoleum, Totowa. Friends may visit Friday 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers donations to the Paterson Firefighters Association, PO Box 6624, Paterson, NJ 07509 or a charity of your choice that supports veterans would be appreciated. For more information, go to www.festamemorial.com.