Walter C. Maxwell

Walter C. Maxwell, 76, of Kingston, died Friday, August 12, 2016 at St. Peters Hospital in Albany. Born in Brynmawr, PA, he was a son of the late Morris C. & Josephine Munson Thayer Maxwell and the stepson of the late Harry M. Thayer. Walter attended St. George's School in Newport, RI. After High School, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force. He graduated from Marist College in 1967. Walter's career began at the Historic Hudson Valley Commission in Tarrytown, NY, as a Financial Analyst and from there he continued at IBM. He retired from IBM and started his broadcasting career at Historic Hudson Valley Radio (WGHQ-wbpm) where he expanded his involvement in community needs. After joining the broadcast stations, he and his step-father, Harry Thayer, started the WGHQ Happy Christmas Fund. To this day the Christmas Fund continues. He was a past President of the NYS Broadcasters Association and also served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Broadcasters. He served on the board of the Ulster County United Way and later on the Tri-State United Way. He was a member of the Children's Home of Kingston, the Kingston Lions Club and was presently serving as Treasurer of the Town of Ulster Library. Walter's first love was his family and friends. He gave tirelessly to the needs of his community. After retirement from Historic Hudson Valley Radio, Walter and his wife Jean started Kingston Community Radio on WGHQ where a group of wonderful volunteer hosts bring to the listening audience concerns of our community. Walter was loved by all he touched. Walter is survived by his wife of 48 years Jean Fitzgerald Maxwell of Kingston, whom he married on February 24, 1968, a son, Laurence C. Maxwell of Kingston, four siblings, Natalie Griffin and her husband Tom of NY, NY, Mac Thayer and his wife Porter of Richmond, VA, Morris C. Maxwell of Woodstock and Whitney Vogel of Wilmington, NC. Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family will receive friends at the Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave. on Monday, August 15, 2016 from 3-7 PM. The Kingston Lions Club will conduct their service at 6:00 PM. Funeral Service and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Kingston Community Radio, 82 John St. Kingston, NY 12401 or the Kingston Lions Club Foundation, PO Box 3433, Kingston, NY 12402.