10/21/2025
Resident Spotlight: Walter Cole
Walter Cole has been part of the Anchor Bay at Greenwich community since May 2024. Born in Natick, Massachusetts, and raised just outside of Boston as one of five children, Walt’s life has been filled with adventure, purpose, and heart.
After high school, Walt joined the U.S. Navy, where he worked in navigation on aircraft carriers. He served aboard the USS Lake Champlain in 1961 during the recovery of astronaut Alan Shepard after his historic flight as the first American in space. Later, he served on the first nuclear-powered carrier, the USS Enterprise. His naval career took him around the world to places like Canada, France, Italy, and Greece.
In 1967, he married the love of his life, Margie, and together they raised two children. Today, Walt proudly shares stories (and photos!) of his growing family, which includes three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The youngest—a one-month-old baby girl with the “cutest chubby cheeks”—is, as Walt says, “a doll.”
Upon returning to New England, Walt attended Barrington College, where fate—and a shared love of music—brought him and Margie together while singing in the college’s traveling choir. He earned a degree in education and went on to teach math and science to fifth and sixth graders in Rhode Island for 30 years. After a brief retirement, his passion for teaching drew him back for another seven years. Walt’s commitment to education extended beyond the classroom—he worked in curriculum development with a focus on environmental education, partnered with the USDA, and was honored twice as Teacher of the Year.
Walt’s fondest memories include family camping trips across the Northeast and Midwest, his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, and creating a beloved winter field trip program for schoolchildren at URI’s Alton Jones campus. Music, however, has been a lifelong thread in Walt’s story—from joining his first chorus at age 12 to singing in community and church choirs throughout his life. To this day, he sings in his church choir every week.
Here at Anchor Bay, Walt continues to share his enthusiasm and leadership. He enjoys being active, organizing events for fellow veterans, and connecting with others. He credits the wonderful people in the community—and especially his dining companions—for making every day full of friendship and laughter. And a word of warning: if you see Walt coming, expect a pun or two!
When asked what advice he’d give others, Walt said, “Share your life with others if you want to.” He added, “Be observant. If you see someone who needs help, stand next to them and get help for them.”
We are so grateful to have Walter Cole as part of the Anchor Bay at Greenwich family.
