Walter “Walt” H. Rumrill, Jr., 70, of Oppenheim, New York, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, April 29, 2022, in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side.
He was born on December 7, 1952, in Little Falls, New York, and was the son of the late Walter H. and Mavis (Jodway) Rumrill, Sr. Walt was educated at Stratford Central School and graduated with the Class of 1970.
Walt enlisted in the United States Army on December 1, 1971. Throughout his 25 years of service, he earned the rank of Sergeant First Class as a Class E-7. He was honorable discharged on December 1, 1994, after taking an early retirement to help care for his wife and son, who sustained injuries due to a car accident. Walt was a proud Veteran and always advocated for Veteran’s rights and benefits.
On May 11, 1974, Walt was united in marriage to Kathleen A. Seeley at the Universalist Church in Dolgeville, New York. They would have celebrated 49 years of marriage together this coming month.
Walt was formerly employed as a laborer with the Town of Oppenheim Highway Department, where he retired after eight years of service. Before that career, he was a long-time employee of Hussman in Gloversville, New York, where he worked in the Parts, Service, Quality, and Warranty Departments.
Many people also knew Walt for his many years of being a basketball referee for local schools in the area as well.
Walt was a former member of the Sprite Club, Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club, and IBBO (International Basketball Organization). He was a volunteer fireman for over 50 years with the Stratford Volunteer Fire Department, the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department, and his current membership with the Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. Walt truly loved helping anyone who needed a hand, including his family, friends, neighbors, and Pause for All Paws. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Walt will be missed by all who knew him and the many hearts he touched.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen A. Rumrill at home; two children, Jennifer Douglas and her husband, Gerald of Fort Plain, NY, and William Rumrill of Stratford, New York; two cherished grandchildren, Mercedes Rumrill of Albany, NY, and Caden Douglas of Fort Plain, NY; his siblings, Gary Rumrill and his wife, Lorraine of Stratford, New York, Mary Pollard and her husband, Scott, Cathy Madison and her husband, Richard, Edgar Rumrill and his wife, Norma, all of Dolgeville, New York, Fred Rumrill of Fort Plain, NY, Leona Smith and her husband, Ralph of Stratford, New York; a brother-in-law, William “Bill” Chmielewski; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and the extended family members of the Briggs Family; special friends, Joe Peets and Matthew Peets; and special camp friends at Babcock campgrounds.
Walt was predeceased by an infant grandson, Trenton Rumrill, his sister, Pamela Chmielewski, his in-laws, Gordon and Ora Seeley, and a special uncle, Sid Rumrill.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York. A memorial service will be held immediately following calling hours also on May 5, 2023, at 6 p.m. also at the funeral home, with Pastor Mark Hediger officiating. An inurnment ceremony will be held at a date and time to be announced at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, where honor guard members of the United States Army will accord their funeral honors for Walt.
A Celebration of Life reception will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dopp’s Inn, 166 South Main Street, Dolgeville, New York. All are invited to attend.
The family would like to thank Mountain Valley Hospice for their care and compassion that was shown to Walt and his family during his final days.
Please consider memorial contributions for Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078, or Pause 4 All Paws, P.O. Box 846, Little Falls, NY 13365. Please note “In Memory of Walter H. Rumrill, Jr.” in the memo in order for the donation to be properly acknowledged.
To leave a message of sympathy for the Rumrill family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall within the website or leave a photo or memory for his memory book.