Obituary Walter Leonard Kohlhoff

Walter Leonard Kohlhoff died peacefully with his children by his side on April 6, 2024, in Hernando, Florida. He was just shy of celebrating his 90th birthday this coming July.  Walter was married to the love of his life, Arlene, for 53 years and raised their six children in Smithtown, NY. They were long time members of Saint Andrews Lutheran Church in Smithtown.

 

After graduating from Stevens University in Hoboken, Walter had a successful 38-year career at Grumman Aerospace in Bethpage, NY. Most of his career was spent working on the Gulfstream I-IV. He enjoyed working with Rolls Royce, especially in the United Kingdom.  Before working for Grumman, he worked for Fairchild Republic. During his retirement, he continued to read endless articles and books in his field and followed current events and all sports avidly.

 

Walter enthusiastically moved to Florida in 2023 for the year-round sunshine and to be closer to his daughter, Linda. He lived happily at Grand Living in Citrus Hills surrounded by new friends, an amazing staff and warm weather. Walter was a competitive bridge player. He was a Ruby Life Master with 2158.63 Master Points.  He was recently working toward the next level of 2500 Gold Life Master. Walter ran games and played at the Smithtown Bridge Club for over 40 years. He continued to play bridge online with his bridge partners all over the world. Bridge and daily crossword puzzles kept Walter’s brain sharp. 

 

Throughout the years, Walter enjoyed cruising with his wife, his sister, and his brother and sister-in-law. He was extremely proud to tell everyone how he took 54 cruises! At 86 years of age, Walter decided to get the car of his dreams. He loved his white Camaro and was the coolest Grandpa on the road!

 

Walter is survived by his sister, Joanne, his sister in law, Ethel and his six children, James (Margo,) William (Ann), Michael (Celeste) , Steven (Pam), Eric (Shari) and Linda (Susan) as well as his 10 grandchildren Lauren, Lindsay, Angela (Tom), Mark, Christina, Alec, Lucy, Sophie, Eli and Abby.  He is reunited with his wife Arlene, his brother Robert, and his parents Walter and Lorraine. May Walter rest in peace after a long and happy life filled with family, friends and much love.