Walter J. Powwers Obituary
Wally to his friends, and Joey to his siblings, Walter Joseph Powers III, passed away in his home on December 28, 2021. Joey was a long time Gloucester resident who traveled eastern Massachusetts extensively for his work, including living a remarkably long time in Lynn.
In his youth he enjoyed the Sea scouts, and reached quartermaster, the highest rank attainable. He was always a devotee of the arts, and an enthusiastic thespian. His theater career culminated in the lead role of the Mad Hatter in the 1971 Gloucester High-School production of Alice in Wonderland. He was also a three season varsity athlete, as a member of the cross-country, winter & spring track teams. He specialized in long distance before it was cool. He graduated at the top of his class at Gloucester High-School in 1971.
He put himself through University of Massachusetts – Amherst, earning a B.A. in English, graduating cum laude, in 1975. He was a staff writer and editor for the school newspaper, the Daily Collegian. He often biked to and from college on his second hand, single speed bicycle. He attended Suffolk Law School in Boston, becoming a contributor to the law review, a moot court participant, and obtained his J.D. in 1979. He joined the Massachusetts and Federal Bar associations in 1980.
Joey was a history buff, a voracious reader, with a natural story telling ability, which he parlayed into a 25 year career tending bar at Woodman's in Essex, which is how he funded his undergraduate and graduate studies. After law school he spent his entire legal career representing the neediest clients, as a civil litigator in a variety of different matters, often pro-bono. But when he was able to secure a favorable settlement, he donated his fees to his church. He lived a simple, almost Spartan lifestyle, always looking to help others.
He inspired his siblings to enjoy fishing for cod off of Kettle Island, hiking Tuckerman's Ravine, swimming the quarries of Dogtown Commons, exploring in Ravenswood Park, wandering around Boston's Back-bay, reading obscure Russian authors, debating Lumen gentium, writing poetry on apartment walls, and regaled all who would listen with many, exciting, exhaustively detailed and historically embellished tales over the years. He was a natural teacher, mentor, motivator, and was beloved by his customers, clients, friends, and family.
He is survived by his mother, Marie Powers, and her family, Regina and Jack Muniz, Helen and Jeff Stone, Liz and Brad Marques, Tom and Cheryl Powers, Susan and Joe Balbo, Barbara and Tracy Souza, Joan and Dave Pierce, Julie and Jeff Gove, Mike and Marnie Powers, John and Lisa Powers, Marie and Ward McCarragher, Jackie and Jerry Ciarmataro, and Jim and Leah Powers.
He is pre-deceased by his father, Walter Powers Jr., and his two sisters Jennifer and Amy.
Joey's visiting hours, service and burial are being held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to: The Open Door Food Pantry, 28 Emerson Ave. Gloucester, MA 01930. Arrangements are by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St. Gloucester, MA.
