Walter N. Rumery

PORTLAND - Walter N. Rumery, 68, of Westbrook Street, died Wednesday, December 17, 2013 at Gosnell Hospice House with his loving family by his side. Walter was born in Portland, Maine on March 21, 1945 the son of Aldo B. and Charlotte V. Clark Rumery. He attended local schools and graduated from Portland High School in the class of 1963, he furthered his education, receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Education from the Gorham State Teachers College in Gorham, Maine. He later earned his Master's Degree in Education from the University of Southern Maine. On August 13, 1993 he married Karen A. Peverada in Portland Maine where together they lived and worked. Walter taught school in Portland at King Middle School for a career that spanned thirty four years. He was admired and well respected by students, colleagues and parents. His dry, sarcastic sense of humor, quick wit and dynamic teaching skills along with his ever changing collection of neck ties made Mr. Rumery a teacher that students always remembered. Following retirement, Walter served a term on the Portland School Committee, was appointed to the Civil Service Commission for a one year term and worked with the Kids and Transportation Office in Sanford and developed a rail safety program for students and the Transportation Department preparing for the arrival of Am Trak service. Along with teaching Walter worked many years at Hertz Rental Cars at the Portland Jetport. In his spare time, Walter, was known for traveling two hours for a good meal of local Seafood and was also known for making a mean chowder. He was an artist, loved band music and loved to travel, especially cruising. He and his wife recently celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary with a cruise to Hawaii. Family was at the center of Walter's life, having lost his father at an early age, he took care of his mother and sisters. Following the birth of his daughter, the arrival of his two granddaughters was a very important and rewarding time in his life. He was a big Teddy Bear when they were around. Walter was predeceased by his sister Lois Morse. He is survived by his wife Karen Peverada Rumery of Portland; a daughter Suellyn Rumery and her husband Steven Santiago of Portland; a sister Carol and her husband Stephen Knox of Arizona; two granddaughters Natalie and Danielle Santiago of Portland; his two dogs Lewis and Clark; several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 20, 2013 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 10:00am at the Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodfords Street, Portland. Burial will follow at Forest City Cemetery, Lincoln Street, South Portland. Those who wish may make contributions in Walter's memory to: Animal Refuge League, PO Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098Online condolences may be expressed below.