Walter J. Hall, Jr., 81, of Holden passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 in UMass Memorial Healthcare-Memorial Campus, Worcester, after an illness.

    He leaves his devoted wife of 30 years, Muriel (Melnikoff) Contonio Hall of Holden; a son, Michael G. Hall and his wife Christine of Boylston; four step-children, Debbie Guiney and her husband John of Worcester, John Contonio and his wife Linda of Yarmouth Port, Paula Wilson and her husband Doug of Paxton and Richard Contonio and his wife Susan of Holden; a sister, Barbara Ann Petrozzi and her husband Francis of Worcester; a brother, David Charles Hall and his wife Gail of North Oxford; eight grandchildren, Stephen, Dan, Joshua, Jessica, Jamie, Ashley, Abigail and Christopher; four great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Mindy Hall of Shrewsbury; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Stephen W. Hall of Shrewsbury.

    Walter was born in Worcester, son of the late Walter J. and Evelyn (Blanchard) Hall, Sr. and lived over 20 years in Holden. He was a graduate of South High School in Worcester and upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country in the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Quincy, receiving the Korean Service Medal with two stars.

    He enjoyed a long career in the telephone industry, retiring from Lucent Technologies after having worked in a variety of positions for New England Telephone and AT & T for more than 30 years. Following his retirement, he obtained his realtor’s license and sold commercial real estate. In his spare time, he prepared income taxes for those in need at no cost to them. He also volunteered at the Holden Senior Center, was a past member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4528 in Leicester, an avid sports enthusiast and especially loved golf, travelling with his wife and spending time with his grandchildren. Walter will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

    Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 31st, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. The funeral for Walter will be held on Monday, February 1st, from the funeral home with an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paul Newman’s “Hole in the Wall Gang Camp”, 565 Ashford Center Road, Ashford, CT 06278.