Robert Griffiths Walker

Robert “Bob” Griffiths Walker, 87, recently of Forest Hill, MD, passed away on January 7, 2022. Bob was born to Robert Griffiths Walker and Gladys Stahl in Altoona, PA on 13 April 1934. After attending high school in Pittsburgh, PA, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.

Upon honorable discharge from the Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Mr. Walker began his career as a portrait photographer for Lorstan, Wilmington, DE. He applied his artistry to capturing the essence of personalities from local families to heads of state. Then he held staff photographer positions at the Wilmington News-Journal and the Chicago Tribune where he covered historic events ranging from the Democratic Convention riots to the Beatles’ first appearance on U.S. soil. He next joined the staff of the Fredericksburg, VA Free-Lance Star. Finally, he was named photo editor for the Washington Star, in DC. Over the years, Bob’s ability to capture the human ethos during breaking news events gained him a national reputation and numerous national and state press awards. In the 1980’s, after retiring from his photojournalism career, Bob and his former wife, Deborah, bought and ran the Junction Country Store in Bridgewater Corners, VT, near the Killington Ski Resort. Bob eventually returned to Pittsburgh and spent a decade caring for his stepfather following a stroke.

In addition to his photography career, Bob also enjoyed touring on his BMW motorcycles and playing tennis. He played with his group of seniors at the Edgewood (Pittsburgh) Tennis & Fitness Center and the Pittsburgh Indoor Tennis Club. This group included, Manny, Jay, Charles, Gil, Stanley, Ed, Harry, and Al. Hopefully, if they read this, they will have a toast to remember Bob and all the good times on the courts.

Mr. Walker was predeceased by his parents, and stepfather, Frank Catanzano, Sr.; his son, Andrew Walker, former wife, Sandra Walker, and his little terrier, Bertie. He is survived by his children, Robin Mecinski (husband Stas), Forest Hill, Md, Jessica Walker, Fort Washington, MD and Leigh Walker, Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Abigail Walker, Virginia Walker, and Marina Mecinski; brother Frank Catanzano, Jr (wife Shelly); and special cousin, Joann Kradel.

If you would care to make a memorial donation in Bob’s memory, we suggest the Fallston Animal Rescue Mission (FARM). This is where he adopted his little dog. https://fallstonanimalrescue.org/donate/