Walter Parahus
Stonington — Walter N. Parahus, 73, passed away at Marlborough Center Nursing home March 10, 2024. Walter was the son of Nicholas and Frances Parahus of Niantic. Walter was born Jan. 23, 1951, in Stamford, grew up in Darien, and was a longtime resident of Niantic, where he resided for over 40 years. In his later years he lived in Stonington and Pawcatuck, where he resided at the time of his passing.
Walter graduated in the first graduating class from the then new East Lyme High School and was a graduate of Ocean City College, Ocean City, Md. During his high school and college years Walter participated in crew at East Lyme High School and he then rowed for Blood Street Sculls in Old Lyme. In his early 20s Walter was invited to the U.S. Naval Academy to try out for the U.S. Olympic crew team. Walter and his teammates traveled all over the East Coast and Canada, competing in rowing regattas.
Walter was employed by the Town of East Lyme, Parks and Recreation department for many years before an early retirement.
Walter was never happier than when he was outside, on the water and fishing. Growing up there was never a season that his father, Nicholas, did not have him and his brother fishing for something. Be it winter flounder, smelt at the end of a cold dock in winter with a bamboo pole, striper fishing, clamming, ice fishing on Rogers and Wyassup Lakes, trout fishing…. there was something to fish for and harvest regardless of the season. Walter could often be found on the Niantic River scalloping with his father and brother, or bird hunting with his beloved Weimaraner, Schatzi. Boating and fishing dominated Walter’s life, and he kept a boat in Niantic, then Mystic for many years that allowed him to fish Long Island Sound, Fishers Island Sound and the Race. Fishing for fluke was a passion. Walter also loved to sing and in his earlier years participated in many East Lyme Arts Council musical productions.
Walter is survived by his brother Michael Parahus of Killingworth and Naples, New York; a niece Elaina of Killingworth; and a nephew Craig of Freemont, N.Y. He is also survived by his friend and companion Scarlett St. Germaine of Terryville.
There are no calling hours or services. Walter’s remains will be interred at Union Cemetery in Niantic alongside his parents. Donations in his memory may be made to: East Lyme Senior Center, 37 Society Road, Niantic, CT 06357.