Walter A. Antonivich, 87, of 719 Main Street, formerly of Maria Street, died Wednesday afternoon, October 8, 2008 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was born in Springfield, VT on March 17, 1921 the son of Hipolit and Josephine (Yankowska) Antonivich and had resided in Claremont most of his life.  He was a veteran of World War II, from 1942 to 1946 having served in the US Navy, as a Boatswain’s Mate First Class in both Theaters of War and received the Asiatic Pacific, American Area, European African Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

He retired in 1996 from Belfon Machine Company in Claremont where he worked as a machinist for ten years and had previously worked for Fellows Gear Shaper Company in Springfield, VT where he worked for forty years.

He was an avid trout fisherman, liked to work outside planting trees, constantly working in the yard making rock walls and gardening. He was a great supporter and member of the Mohegan Bowmen back in the 50’s.  He designed his own equipment and made and sold hunting and target arrows and bow strings.

For the last six years Walter lived with his granddaughter Kerry Wahrlich and her husband Rick and their two children, Erika and Sylvia.  He was known and called “Pepere”  by friends of Kerry & Rick as well as friends of Erika & Sylvia.  He enjoyed his time socializing with family and friends, playing with pets, having bar-b-ques and listening to his favorite radio show, “The Shadow”.  His family enjoyed listening to his stories about his childhood and his experiences around the world while in the Navy.

He was the widower of Irene B. (Dufresne) Antonivich whom he married on July 9, 1946 and she died May 19, 2008. 

The surviving family includes one daughter, Carol L. Descoteau and her husband, Andy of Claremont; one son, Mitchell R. Antonivich and his wife, Dawna of Charlestown; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by two sons, infant Michael Patrick Antonivich in 1947 and Anthony Walter Antonivich in 2007; one daughter, Debra Antonivich in 1995; five brothers, John Antonivich, Adam Antonivich, Stanley Antonivich, Kashmere Antonivich and Frank Antonivich; four sisters, Ida Cahee, Albertine Willard, Theresa Christowski and Gladys Loswick.

A Memorial Service will be held at Two O’clock on Wednesday, October 15^th  at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont.

Friends may call at the Funeral Home on Wednesday from 1 to 2 PM prior to the services.  Interment will follow in St Mary’s Cemetery.

The family suggests that donations may be made in his memory to the Veterans Administration Respite Room Fund, 215 North Main Street in White River Junction, VT 05009-0001.